A Dream within a Dream

Jin Si could only make a gagging expression, his gaze lightly sweeping over Butler Lin's wrinkled old face before silently turning away.

"What kind of expression is that!" Butler Lin felt his dignity had been severely insulted and protested loudly.

The commotion outside naturally reached Xiao Shao's ears without missing a single word. He lowered his eyes to look at the tea by his hand, his expression unchanged and posture as composed as ever. Yet the shadow guards hidden in the darkness didn't dare to even breathe loudly.

Though he appeared as leisurely and elegant as always, an aura of "This prince is in a bad mood today, so all of you better scatter quickly" radiated from his entire being. Clearly, Prince Xiao was angry—perhaps even a little frustrated.

The news of Jiang Ruan rejecting Xiao Shao's marriage proposal had spread throughout the Brocade-clad Guards within a quarter of an hour. The guards all felt indignant on Xiao Shao's behalf—how could the Princess of Great Peace not appreciate their prince, who possessed such talent, looks, and character? What poor judgment!

In truth, while Young Master Xiao was indeed a little displeased, he wasn't so heartbroken as to consider drastic measures. Though the Brocade-clad Guards pitied him for his "heartbreak," Xiao Shao was actually pondering something else entirely.

The shadow guards he had sent out to investigate had returned with the same information as before. Yet Jiang Ruan's words still echoed in his ears—her hate-filled oath, her mocking smile, the secrets and grudges still hidden deep within. Yet nothing could be uncovered, as if a hand had erased all traces of Jiang Ruan's past. And yet, her history seemed so simple, as if those traces existed in another world altogether.

There was never love or hate without reason. The Treasure Exchange Pavilion held all kinds of intelligence, yet Jiang Ruan's secrets remained elusive. Xiao Shao frowned slightly. Seeing this, the Brocade-clad Guards assumed he was still brooding over the rejected proposal. Jin Two hesitated, then finally mustered the courage to leap down from the beam: "Master, perhaps the young mistress was just startled. There's no need to be so disheartened—just ask a few more times. We all think the young mistress treats you differently. As the saying goes, a true man fears no failure and must keep trying."

"It's nothing." Xiao Shao glanced at his sleeve, where the golden threads embroidered into the cloud-patterned brocade blended into the dark, cold fabric, reflecting a faint sheen.

"There's no need for her consent. A direct imperial decree will suffice."

"..."

Butler Lin, eavesdropping through the door crack, was moved to tears. Ah, his master finally showed some of the imposing demeanor of his late father! A man should be this domineering—utterly captivating!

...

In the Hall of Benevolent Tranquility, sandalwood incense curled in the air, filling the grand hall with a soothing fragrance that calmed restless hearts. On a crimson satin cushion, Empress Dowager Yide reclined lazily, yet her sharp eyes, like blades, swept over the gentle and demure young girl seated beside her, a thoughtful expression flickering across her face.

Yang Gugu stood silently to the side, the atmosphere in the hall somewhat peculiar.

"Hong'an, this old one will now ask for your opinion. Are you willing, or are you not?"The matter had been made quite clear just now—Jiang Ruan was to be bestowed upon Jinying Wang as his principal consort. Given Jiang Ruan's background, this could already be considered a lofty match. Xiao Shao held substantial military power and enjoyed the Emperor's deep trust, even more so than several of the imperial princes. Moreover, he was exceptionally handsome, dignified, and outstanding in both literary and martial arts, always the center of attention wherever he went. Although Jiang Ruan had now been granted the title of Junzhu, it was merely an empty honorific. The Jiang family behind her was already showing signs of decline, while the Zhao family, after all, was only her maternal relatives.

Though he was a bit older than Jiang Ruan... but older men knew how to cherish their wives. That was good too.

Jiang Ruan looked at Empress Dowager Yide, whose expression remained as serene as ever, yet her gaze carried a sharp edge. Though the tone had been one of discussion, in reality, there was no room left for her to choose.

She lowered her eyes, silently reflecting. Xiao Shao had actually resorted to such a forceful method—it was almost laughable. Yet, she didn’t feel anger. Jiang Ruan understood that marrying into the Brocade Hero King Manor at this critical juncture was indeed the best choice. At the very least, compared to other places, the manor could offer her greater protection.

With a faint smile, she spoke, "Hong'an dare not presume to decide. I defer entirely to Your Majesty's judgment. However, an engagement at this time might bring trouble to the Brocade Hero King Manor."

Yang Gugu quietly exhaled in relief. Empress Dowager Yide's eyes flickered, and her expression toward Jiang Ruan grew even more approving. "You needn’t worry about that." Had Jiang Ruan shown even the slightest displeasure, she would not have sanctioned this marriage. Though Xiao Shao's opinion mattered, if this union were not a good match, she would not have acted as a matchmaker. Having lived through her own youth, she knew Jiang Ruan was not entirely unmoved. Moreover, Jiang Ruan’s concern for the Brocade Hero King Manor had put her mind at ease.

Jiang Ruan glanced at Empress Dowager Yide's expression, then at her own sleeve. She knew she had said the right thing again.

Empress Dowager Yide pondered for a moment. "Speaking of which, this is ultimately a matter between you young ones. Having been by my side for so long, I know you are a good girl. Since I’ve promised Xiao Aiqing, there are some things I must send to him. Hong'an, you shall make this trip on my behalf and visit the Brocade Hero King Manor."

Jiang Ruan was momentarily taken aback before replying with a slight smile, "As you wish."

...

The gates of the Brocade Hero King Manor had been polished to a shine by the servants under Butler Lin's orders upon hearing of Jiang Ruan's impending visit. The floors had been scrubbed three times and waxed—even the Emperor had never received such honors.

All because Jin Er had remarked, "In any case, the imperial decree of marriage will be issued soon. For the first formal welcome of our future Wangfei, shouldn’t we make it as grand as possible?"

Butler Lin seemed to have regained ten years of youth overnight, bustling about the manor with unflagging energy. Jin Si, watching Butler Lin’s enthusiasm, could only shake his head. "This isn’t being a butler—even a wet nurse wouldn’t work this hard."

When Jiang Ruan arrived at the Brocade Hero King Manor with Luzhu and Tianzhu, she was greeted by a perfectly synchronized chorus of "Greetings, Young Madam!"—so thunderous it startled the birds in the garden into a flurry of wings and sent the guard dogs into a frenzy of barking.Luzhu lowered her head to stifle a laugh, while Tianzhu twitched the corner of her mouth. Only Jiang Ruan remained unperturbed, saying calmly, "The Empress Dowager instructed me to deliver some items to His Highness." As if the earlier chorus of "young madam" hadn't been directed at her.

The servants of Brocade Hero King Manor were stunned by the future young madam's composure—unmoved no matter which way the wind blew. Just as they were wondering how this scene would play out, Xiao Shao emerged. Without even glancing at Butler Lin and the others, he said to Jiang Ruan, "Come with me."

He took her hand and led her straight into the manor.

The servants and attendants instinctively scattered like birds and beasts.

Jiang Ruan followed closely behind Xiao Shao. During her last visit, circumstances had been urgent, leaving no time to properly admire the manor's scenery. Now, as she took it all in, she found the landscape mirrored Xiao Shao's character—black stones and white waters, as aloof as ever, yet with clusters of trees arranged in a pleasing disorder, exuding an understated elegance.

The design was bold and unconstrained, with a touch of casualness. Compared to the meticulously tended gardens in the Jiang residence's courtyards of the various madams and concubines, this simpler scenery seemed more likely to touch her heart.

Xiao Shao's back was as indifferent as ever, though today, for some reason, his pace was slower. Jiang Ruan became absorbed in admiring the garden scenery and didn't notice when Xiao Shao had stopped, accidentally bumping into his back.

"......"

When Xiao Shao turned, he saw Jiang Ruan rubbing her forehead. Tall and long-limbed, Jiang Ruan only reached his chest. It was rare to see her make such a mistake, and the way she rubbed her forehead reminded Xiao Shao of a lamb raised by a senior brother during his apprenticeship at Mount Canaan—its head irresistibly tempting to pat.

In fact, Xiao Shao did just that. The soft, furry sensation under his palm instantly brightened his previously gloomy mood. But when he lowered his gaze, he met Jiang Ruan's slightly dazed expression. Clearing his throat, he withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened.

"The Empress Dowager has decided to bestow a marriage," Jiang Ruan cut straight to the point, skipping any preamble. "Do you have anything to say to me?"

"Jiang Xin Zhi's defeat means Ye Li and Ye Hua will surely send reinforcements to seize control of the troops under Jiang Xin Zhi and Guan Lianghan. Currently, most military officials in the court are divided into two factions—Ye Li's people are Ye Lang's people. The Zhao family cannot act recklessly. Though the Western Rong have submitted, this year they seem ambitious. If troops are withdrawn, the Western Rong may stir trouble. The Eastern Barbarian Country is already troublesome. With internal and external threats, the Great Jin may face a grave crisis." Xiao Shao paused, then looked at her. "Ye Li has taken an interest in you. If you become engaged to him, the Zhao family will be held hostage, and even if Jiang Xin Zhi survives, he'll be under Ye Li's control. If the situation turns unfavorable, you'll be the one pushed forward." His gaze was deep as the ocean as he said calmly, "Your position is precarious. I want to protect you."

"Xiao Shao, don't you understand what I'm saying?" Jiang Ruan replied. "I don't want protection. I want revenge."

"I'll help you," Xiao Shao said.

"Aren't you afraid I'm a nation-destroying enchantress?" Jiang Ruan smiled faintly.

"I owe you my life. Now, this life is yours." Xiao Shao's tone was resolute. "I won't stop you."

"Is this how you repay everyone who saves your life?" Jiang Ruan asked. "You agree to marry whoever rescues you?""You're the first." The young man's features were like a painting, his demeanor seemingly aloof yet tinged with deep affection. His eyes held an unconscious trace of indulgence, like the silent nurturing of spring rain, his voice slightly hoarse: "Only you."

...

Luzhu stood outside the pavilion, watching the two figures speaking from afar. She fretted so much that she plucked over a dozen strands of hair: "This... will it work out?"

Suddenly, a figure appeared upside-down from the beam right in front of her. Startled, Luzhu let out a shriek, only to see the person swiftly flip upright and stand before her, immediately covering her mouth without hesitation: "Shh, keep it down! Don't disturb the master!"

Luzhu glared resentfully at Jin Er before her and snapped, "You scoundrel!"

Only then did Jin Er release her: "What scoundrel? This lord is dashing and charming, adored by countless women... Hey, don't walk away!"

Luzhu strode off without looking back. As Jin Er moved to follow, someone blocked his path—it was Jin San. Jin San tossed her long hair with practiced grace, exuding allure: "What? Trying to woo the young lady?"

"Don't talk nonsense!" Jin Er waved his hand dismissively, plucking a blade of grass to chew on: "Boring."

"Even a seasoned flirt like you can slip up sometimes." Jin San leaned in mysteriously, whispering in Jin Er's ear with a grin: "You'd better keep an eye out. The Brocade-clad Guards in the manor have been eyeing that girl like hungry wolves. The young madam's maids are hot commodities now. Besides, Luzhu's adorable—plenty of people are itching to make a move. Just saying, don't blame me if you miss out." With that, she leaped away, vanishing from sight.

Jin Er stood frozen for a long moment, his expression complicated, before finally spitting out the grass and striding forward.

Up in a tree, Jin San rubbed her hands together over a bowl: "Come on, place your bets! Will Jin Er strike out this time? Big or small? Hey, hurry up with your wagers—time's running out!"

...

No matter how one looked at it, the once quiet and desolate Brocade Hero King Manor had grown much livelier since Jiang Ruan and her entourage arrived. Jin Si attributed this to the lack of women in the manor—even counting the female Brocade-clad Guards and maids, there were barely ten, all strictly off-limits.

The young madam's maids, aside from Tianzhu (Nandina), each had their own charms, and the young guards—who had gone without female company for over a decade—were practically salivating, eager to make their moves. Luzhu, Lianqiao, and the others were nearly overwhelmed by the attention in the Brocade Hero King Manor. One guard would bring a box of pastries, another a bouquet of flowers. Baffled, Luzhu complained: "The subordinates are all so clever—why is the master so clueless?"Although the master was oblivious, he couldn't withstand the enthusiasm of his lively subordinates. For instance, on this particular evening, Jiang Ruan was supposed to return home, but as soon as she stepped out, Butler Lin dramatically exclaimed, "Oh heavens! Who on earth damaged the young madam's carriage? And look at this poor horse—it must have eaten something bad. How pitiful! Quickly, fetch a veterinarian to examine the horse." Then, with an apologetic expression, he hurried over to Jiang Ruan and said, "Young Madam, my deepest apologies, but the carriage is broken. Our manor doesn’t have another one available, and the horse also needs rest. Besides, look at the sky—it’s bound to change. What if it starts pouring and the roads get slippery? If anything were to happen... Oh, forgive this old servant’s nonsense! Of course, nothing would happen. But it’s still better to be safe, isn’t it?"

Luzhu listened to Butler Lin’s rambling with silent exasperation. How convenient that the horse just happened to fall ill at this very moment. And the idea that the prestigious Brocade Hero King Manor didn’t have a single spare carriage was laughable. Not to mention, the sky was clear and starry—there was no sign of impending rain. Butler Lin’s intentions were far too obvious. Still, Luzhu couldn’t help but feel pleased by his antics. At least it showed that the entire manor held their young lady in high regard. So she played along, saying, "That’s right, miss. It’s already late, and the roads might not be safe."

It was clearly still early evening—far from being "late." Zisu and Lianqiao listened to Luzhu’s blatant lies but chose to pretend they hadn’t heard.

Finally, Tianzhu approached solemnly and said to Jiang Ruan, "Miss, the Empress Dowager has sent an Imperial Decree through her palace maid, stating that since it’s late, you should stay the night at Brocade Hero King Manor."

"..."

Even the Empress Dowager had been dragged into this! Did no one care about propriety anymore?

...

Fortunately, though Jiang Ruan stayed overnight at the manor, she didn’t run into Xiao Shao, sparing her much awkwardness. Luzhu, however, was disappointed. She felt that on such a rare occasion, Xiao Shao’s absence was a wasted opportunity.

The entire Brocade Hero King Manor treated Jiang Ruan with utmost respect. Though the official betrothal decree hadn’t yet arrived, they already regarded her as the "future princess consort." Jiang Ruan accepted their deference with calm composure, though only she knew the true turmoil in her heart.

That night, after the manor’s maids had withdrawn, Jiang Ruan found herself unable to sleep. She asked Luzhu to light the oil lamp, her mind restless with thoughts. Eventually, she fetched a lantern, draped a cloak over her shoulders, and decided to take a stroll around the manor.

The Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, and the moon hung bright and full in the sky. Jiang Ruan carried the lantern, accompanied only by Luzhu. Both were lost in their own thoughts, paying little attention to their path as they wandered aimlessly until they reached a pavilion by the lake.

In the dim light, they could vaguely make out a figure standing with his back to them in the pavilion, seemingly deep in thought. The moonlight spilled over the lake, casting shimmering reflections on the water and illuminating the shadowy figure more clearly. Upon closer inspection, it was Xiao Shao.

After a moment’s hesitation, Jiang Ruan turned to Luzhu and said, "Wait here." Then, lantern in hand, she stepped forward alone.

Hearing the sound behind him, the man in the pavilion turned around. Recognizing Jiang Ruan, he paused in surprise and asked, "Why aren’t you resting?"Jiang Ruan's gaze fell upon the table, where a jade wine pot stood with three cups placed atop it. There was also a damp stain on the ground, and traces of burnt joss paper by the lakeside. Was he... mourning someone?

Xiao Shao sat down in the pavilion, and Jiang Ruan keenly sensed that his mood was unusually off. Whether it was her imagination or not, there was a hint of hostility in his expression that wasn't usually present.

Xiao Shao had always appeared calm and indifferent in front of others. To Jiang Ruan, there were even times when he seemed gentle and endearing. Yet this obvious hostility seemed to cast a layer of coldness over him, evoking a sense of unease in those around him.

The person he was mourning must have been very important to him. Two cups suggested two people, but the memorial days for the old Jinying Wang and the Princess of Brocade Glory were in winter, not now. Jiang Ruan pondered this as she picked up the wine pot and weighed it in her hand—only a small portion of the wine remained. He had drunk quite a bit.

Xiao Shao suddenly spoke, "I have already requested His Majesty's permission for the campaign."

Jiang Ruan turned abruptly to look at him, but Xiao Shao was staring at the moon reflected in the lake—large, round, and veiled in a hazy glow. The moonlight gently traced over his straight nose, tightly pressed lips, and the elegant curve of his jaw before finally settling in his deep, night-like obsidian eyes.

Perhaps due to the wine, Xiao Shao's voice carried an uncharacteristic huskiness as he said, "One hundred thousand Brocade-clad Guards will accompany me to Tianjin." He slowly turned his head to look at Jiang Ruan. "Jiang Xin Zhi will be fine."

"Why go to such lengths?" Jiang Ruan looked back at the lake. "You shouldn't involve yourself in court affairs. You could have stayed out of this."

"Settling things with the Eastern Barbarian Country is inevitable," Xiao Shao replied. "It's not entirely for you." Jiang Ruan fell silent and turned back to the lake, only to feel her hand being seized. With a firm yet perfectly measured tug, she was pulled off balance and tumbled directly into Xiao Shao's lap. Looking down, she found herself seated on his thighs.

From somewhere in the distance, there seemed to be a faint gasp.

Jiang Ruan tried to rise, but Xiao Shao's grip was deceptively skillful—firm enough to hold her in place without causing pain. Sitting on someone's lap like this was something she had never experienced, neither in this life nor her past one. But Jiang Ruan was no longer a hot-tempered young girl, nor was she one to make a fuss. She simply stared at him without a word.

Xiao Shao, however, looked at her and smiled.

That smile seemed to gather all the moonlight in the courtyard into his eyes. His lips were red, his teeth white, and his beauty was unparalleled. The breathtakingly handsome man exuded an unconscious allure, yet there was also a trace of sorrow and a barely perceptible pain hidden within.

Before Jiang Ruan could recover from her momentary daze, she felt a cool touch against her lips. The crisp fragrance of wine, mingled with an overwhelming masculine presence, gently enveloped her.

Startled, she froze, unsure how to react.

His lips were as cold as the rest of him, but the kiss was tender and resolute. The mellow taste of wine swept over her, bringing with it an unfamiliar sensation—both intimidating and impossible to pull away from.

When the kiss ended, Xiao Shao released his hold on her. But before Jiang Ruan could rise from his lap, he pulled her into an embrace, resting his chin atop her head. His voice was calm as he murmured, "Now, you are my princess."Jiang Ruan was locked in his embrace, unable to see Xiao Shao's expression at this moment. Had she been able to, she would have noticed the rare tenderness in the young man's deep eyes, the faint blush and smile gracing his handsome face. No matter how intoxicating the moonlight, it paled in comparison to the dazzling ripples shimmering in those dark, ink-like pupils.

Only when holding the girl like this could he truly feel the frailty of her slender frame, as if a gust of wind might topple her. Yet Xiao Shao knew—this very body, so seemingly fragile, had the power to shake the deepest foundations of the Da Jin Dynasty. In all his twenty-some years of life, he had never experienced such emotions before. In truth, on this day every year, the past would take root in his heart, stirring up violent storms that nearly drove him to lose control.

In his youth, his family had suffered a great upheaval, shaping his cold and indifferent nature. Blessed with striking looks and sharp intellect, even when disaster struck the Brocade Hero King Manor, he had adjusted his mindset swiftly, leaving outsiders to marvel at his resilience. But nothing in this world is achieved overnight. The pain buried deep in his heart slowly settled, threatening to sever his ties to the mortal world. Yet, unbeknownst to him, his heart had softened because of someone—like now, when the agony and hatred hidden in the shadows gradually dissipated in this warm embrace and gentle kiss.

How fortunate—a mere century of life, with only fleeting moments of solitude. The hope he thought would never come, the salvation he yearned for, was now right here in his arms.

Feeling the embrace tighten slightly, Jiang Ruan froze for a moment.

Her muddled mind gradually cleared, though whether it was the lingering taste of strong liquor from Xiao Shao's lips that had left her dizzy, she couldn't immediately react. Only now, as those resolute and domineering words spilled from the man before her, did she find herself at a loss for how to respond.

Xiao Shao was indeed acting unusual today, Jiang Ruan mused. Perhaps it was due to the person he was mourning, but his current behavior—was it because he was drunk?

Being taken advantage of repeatedly by Xiao Shao, Jiang Ruan would have seemed overly dramatic if she had feigned outrage. Yet her heart was in such turmoil that she couldn't think straight. Considering that Xiao Shao was both intoxicated and grieving, she sighed inwardly and decided to let him hold her for a while, like a wooden post—perhaps it would help him calm down.

Jiang Ruan hadn't anticipated what such silent acquiescence might imply. In this life, though she paid little heed to matters of romance, she had always been careful not to leave herself vulnerable. With anyone else, how could she have allowed them to take such liberties so easily? Yet with Xiao Shao, any show of anger seemed unnecessary.

(End of Chapter)