"How exactly do you propose to resolve this?" Jiang Ruan glanced at her fingertips, her expression unchanged. Ye Lang observed her closely, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.
After a pause, he said, "At the very least, the Eighth Prince can find a way to cover this up so that the princess won’t suffer any injustice."
Jiang Ruan finally seemed somewhat impatient and asked, "My acquaintance with the Eighth Prince is merely superficial. How could I possibly seek his protection?"
"Princess, you mustn’t say that," Ye Lang replied with visible delight, launching into an enthusiastic explanation. "The princess is the Eighth Prince’s beloved. However, with Deputy General Jiang’s whereabouts unknown at the border and your precarious situation in the palace—where countless eyes watch your every move—the only way to truly secure the Eighth Prince’s protection is to enter his household. That is the only lasting solution."
As he finished speaking, Ye Lang clenched his fist slightly, feeling a hint of nervousness.
Ye Lang was quite pleased with himself for proposing this plan to Ye Li. He knew Ye Li had taken a keen interest in Jiang Ruan, yet for some reason, she avoided him like the plague. Recently, Xiao Shao’s request for the Empress Dowager’s blessing for their marriage had only deepened Ye Li’s resentment. Having served Ye Li for so long, Ye Lang was well aware of his master’s thoughts.
For instance, if they could use this situation to pressure Jiang Ruan into marrying Ye Li, it would undoubtedly please him far more than simply finding a scapegoat to justify Princess Heyi’s death. Success in this matter would earn Ye Lang significant favor, strengthening his position for future endeavors.
Yet, while Ye Lang could predict many things, Jiang Ruan’s attitude remained elusive. Ordinary methods would never work—only threats to Princess Heyi’s life and Jiang Xin Zhi’s safety might sway her. In Ye Lang’s eyes, Jiang Ruan’s reluctance to choose Ye Li stemmed from her better option, Xiao Shao. But when her own interests were at stake, she would have no choice. Women were all the same—no matter how formidable, when push came to shove, they could only submit and plead for mercy. Just like Princess Heyi had once done.
Jiang Ruan countered coolly, "So the Eighth Prince orchestrated this entire farce just to force me into marriage? He truly overestimates my worth."
Zisu and Luzhu were already seething with indignation. They never imagined Ye Li would stoop to such despicable tactics, framing Jiang Ruan with such a vile accusation. Yet, the death of a princess was no trivial matter.
"Princess, you mustn’t underestimate yourself," Ye Lang said with a smile. "In the Eighth Prince’s heart, no one is more precious than you."
Jiang Ruan paused briefly. In her past life, Ye Li had often said those very words. Back then, trapped in the suffocating darkness of the palace, she had sometimes felt unworthy of his kindness. Ye Li would reassure her, "You needn’t belittle yourself. To me, no one compares to you."
Now, hearing those words from Ye Lang’s lips, Jiang Ruan found them bitterly ironic. In this life, she no longer demeaned herself—yet Ye Li had grossly overestimated his place in her heart. To her, he was nothing more than a repulsive insect, utterly revolting.
"The Fourth Prince has always been skilled with sweet words," Jiang Ruan replied with a faint smile. "But perhaps, having played the lapdog for others for so long, he’s only learned to parrot flattery.""You—" Ye Lang's expression darkened, utterly baffled by Jiang Ruan's sudden shift in demeanor. Her words struck a raw nerve, hitting right at his weakest spot. Were it not for Jiang Ruan's status, Ye Lang might have lost control and lashed out. Perhaps it was because he now saw a bright future following Ye Li, or perhaps he had grown arrogant with his newfound importance. In the past, he would have merely offered a weak smile to brush off such remarks. But now, after having already killed Princess Heyi, the darkness within him, once unleashed, was nearly impossible to rein in.
With a face like thunder, Ye Lang said to Jiang Ruan, "I came with good intentions, yet you respond with such malice, Princess. It truly saddens me."
"You needn’t be sad," Jiang Ruan replied indifferently, casting a glance at the corpse on the ground. "Even if you claim I killed her, it doesn’t matter. But I won’t marry Ye Li."
"What did you say?" Ye Lang stared at her in disbelief. "Do you realize the implications of your words?"
"Enlighten me," Jiang Ruan said, tilting her head as if eager to listen, though her smile struck Ye Lang as nothing short of mocking.
"Today, in front of everyone, you killed Princess Heyi—a grave crime. She was our father’s most beloved daughter, while you are merely a half-hearted princess from the Minister’s residence. How could our father side with you? Not even the Empress Dowager can protect you this time. With Deputy General Jiang in trouble at the border, and now you killing Princess Heyi, do you know what the court will say?" Ye Lang’s voice carried a threatening edge. "They’ll claim you and Jiang Xin Zhi have long plotted treason, colluding to trample the royal family’s dignity and betray the Da Jin Dynasty! You might enter the prison alive, but you won’t leave it that way!"
His words drained the color from Luzhu and Zisu’s faces. Though they despised Ye Lang’s shamelessness, they couldn’t deny the truth in his words. Once Jiang Ruan was accused of murdering Princess Heyi, escaping unscathed would be nearly impossible.
"Thank you for the warning, Fourth Prince," Jiang Ruan said lightly, as if his threats had gone unheard. "It’s truly eye-opening."
"Even now, you refuse to reconsider?" Ye Lang’s disbelief had turned to scorn, convinced Jiang Ruan had lost her mind. To him, her refusal to marry Ye Li was a death sentence—only a madwoman would choose such a path.
"Fourth Prince, do as you wish. Send me to prison, accuse me before the Emperor—it makes no difference. But I will never marry Ye Li," she declared. "I’ve already told you. What makes you think I’d change my mind?"
Ye Lang studied her for a long moment before finally asking, "Can you tell me one thing? Why are you so unwilling to marry Eighth Brother? Did you two have some past conflict?"
"Perhaps enmity from a past life," Jiang Ruan replied coolly. "What matters is—it’s disgusting."
"Disgusting?" Ye Lang was stunned.
"Yes. Disgusting."
...
Xiao Shao had just left the palace and mounted his horse when Jin Er tumbled before him, his usually carefree face uncharacteristically grim. "Bad news, Master. Miss Jiang has been taken to prison."Xiao Shao's eyes darkened. "What happened?"
"The Fourth Prince and several palace maids witnessed Miss Jiang killing Princess Heyi with their own eyes. Shortly after, people arrived, and the evidence was irrefutable. Consort Shu was furious and is now pleading with the Emperor for justice. Even the Empress could do nothing but order the Ministry of Justice to detain Miss Jiang first."
"When did this happen?" Xiao Shao frowned.
"Noon," Jin Er replied. Xiao Shao had been handling other matters in the palace and had only just left when Jin Er caught up to him. By then, three hours had already passed since Jiang Ruan's arrest, and it was unclear what the current situation was. This crisis was far more dire than any before—Princess Heyi was the Emperor's most beloved youngest daughter. Though she had been mischievous, the bond between father and daughter was genuine and unwavering. The charge of Jiang Ruan killing Princess Heyi was enough to provoke the Emperor's wrath and ensure severe punishment.
Xiao Shao turned his horse around. "Let’s go to the Ministry of Justice." Before he could spur his horse, another voice called out, "Master!"
Jin San hurried over from outside, scanning their surroundings before lowering his voice. "Tianzhu wishes to see you."
Tianzhu was Jiang Ruan's personal maid. Jin Er and Jin San exchanged glances. They were well aware of Jiang Ruan's temperament—she was not one to suffer losses willingly. It was possible she had anticipated today's events, perhaps even orchestrated them deliberately. Tianzhu's visit now might very well be to deliver a message from Jiang Ruan.
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Shao said, "Tell her to meet me at the Treasure Exchange Pavilion."
The streets were crowded and full of prying eyes. Since Tianzhu was Jiang Ruan's maid, any suspicious onlookers might seize the opportunity to stir trouble. The Treasure Exchange Pavilion would also allow them to gather some information.
Jin San acknowledged the order and left.
In less than the time it took to burn an incense stick, Xiao Shao was seated in the dimly lit chamber of the Treasure Exchange Pavilion. Tianzhu knelt before him, bowing deeply. "Master."
"What did she say?" Xiao Shao asked.
"The young lady said nothing," Tianzhu replied.
A flicker of something unreadable passed through Xiao Shao's dark eyes as he regarded her in silence. Jin Er and Jin San, however, were stunned. They had assumed Tianzhu was delivering a message from Jiang Ruan. What did it mean that she had said nothing? Did Jiang Ruan have no words for Xiao Shao?
Without waiting for Xiao Shao to question her further, Tianzhu continued, "The young lady had already foreseen today's events. Princess Heyi's death was also arranged by her, though the young lady was not the one who killed her. The true murderer is someone else, and today's accusations are a frame-up. The young lady had prepared for this long ago—she instructed me to deliver a letter to State Preceptor Huijue beforehand. She must have left a contingency plan, so Master need not worry too much."
Xiao Shao pondered for a moment before saying, "Tell me everything that has happened these past few days."
"Does Master intend to intervene on the young lady's behalf?" Tianzhu lifted her head to ask.
Xiao Shao glanced at her. "Yes."
"Master must not," Tianzhu said firmly. "The young lady has already made her decision. It would be best if Master refrained from interfering."
Both Jin Er and Jin San frowned. For a Brocade-clad Guard, questioning their master's decisions was a grave offense. Tianzhu's behavior was already crossing the line—it could even be seen as disrespect toward Xiao Shao. Tianzhu had been trained by Xiao Shao since childhood, and her loyalty was beyond doubt. Yet her current attitude left even her fellow guards slightly taken aback."She is a member of my Brocade Hero King Manor. I will not stand idly by, nor will I allow anyone to bully her," Xiao Shao said coldly, his tone already carrying a hint of frost.
"Reporting to the master," Tianzhu, who was not oblivious to Xiao Shao's tone, hesitated briefly but continued, "Does the master believe the young lady is incapable of handling such matters? This subordinate dares to speak out of turn—with the master's imminent departure from the capital, while the master can protect her while here, once the master leaves, does the master truly believe all the overt and covert attacks will vanish? Even if the master shelters her within Brocade Hero King Manor, it does not guarantee smooth sailing. Those watching the manor are as numerous as fish in a river—how could the young lady's life be easy then?"
"Are you implying that this prince lacks the ability to protect her?" Xiao Shao narrowed his eyes, speaking slower this time, but the chill in his voice was heavier than before. Jin Er and Jin San hurriedly signaled Tianzhu with their eyes. Xiao Shao was already in a foul mood—was Tianzhu deliberately walking into the line of fire?
Ignoring their hints, Tianzhu pressed on, "Does the master wish for someone by his side who is utterly defenseless, relying entirely on the master's protection—a delicate noblewoman? If that were truly the case, Brocade Hero King Manor could hardly sustain such a fragile flower. What the manor needs is a woman who can stand firm amid storms of blades and arrows, not an embroidered pillow!"
Jin Er and Jin San opened their mouths, but Jin San could only close his eyes helplessly. Though Tianzhu had always been loyal in the Brocade-clad Guards, he was stubborn by nature—once he set his mind to something, nothing could change it. Today, it seemed he was determined to provoke Xiao Shao. While it might feel satisfying now, who knew what punishment awaited him later? Had spending too much time with the young mistress made him reckless beyond measure?
"These days, this subordinate has followed the young lady closely and seen clearly that she is no delicate flower in need of protection. She is stronger than any woman this subordinate has ever met. The master knows this too—the young lady dislikes having others resolve matters for her, especially... when dealing with enemies. She prefers to settle things with her own hands."
Xiao Shao lowered his gaze, faint ripples stirring in his heart at Tianzhu's words. He knew Jiang Ruan's temperament well—her almost fanatical determination when it came to revenge. He was well aware that she disliked interference in such matters. Tianzhu was not lying.
"The young lady has already made her arrangements and plans. This time, the one who will suffer is not her but her opponent. If the master truly cares for her, he should not seek to control everything for her. The young lady is not one to be controlled. She wishes to deal with Princess Heyi and those behind her personally. If the master wants her to be the future mistress of Brocade Hero King Manor, he must learn to let go."
Tianzhu added, "This subordinate presumes to guess the young lady's thoughts and begs the master not to interfere in this matter. This subordinate awaits punishment."
Xiao Shao looked at the man kneeling before him, raised an eyebrow, and after a long silence, finally said calmly, "Rise."
Jin Er and Jin San were stunned for the third time that day. Despite Tianzhu's blatant overstep, Xiao Shao showed not the slightest trace of anger. In fact, compared to his earlier foul mood, he now seemed much calmer. Could it be that the master actually enjoyed being shouted at?Tianzhu paused for a moment before standing up, still keeping her head lowered. She only heard Xiao Shao say, "Return the waist token to Ye Feng."
"Master!" Tianzhu cried out involuntarily. Returning the Brocade-clad Guards' waist token to Ye Feng meant she would be permanently removed from the ranks of the guards, never to return again.
Jin Er and Jin San also froze in place. They had initially thought Xiao Shao wasn't angry, but it seemed they were mistaken. Not only was Xiao Shao angry, but his anger this time was immense.
Xiao Shao looked at Tianzhu's dismayed and shocked expression and smiled slightly. "Your loyalty no longer lies here. According to protocol, you must surrender the waist token." After a brief silence, he continued, "From now on, Jiang Ruan is your only master. Protect her well."
Tianzhu was momentarily stunned. She raised her head to look at Xiao Shao, only to find that his expression wasn't one of anger, nor was it the usual aloof indifference. Instead, it was a look of entrustment, filled with trust.
He was placing the person he valued most in his heart into her care. This wasn't an order from a master to a subordinate, but an exchange made as equals—a trust forged side by side.
Tianzhu's eyes grew hot, and she nearly shed tears. She was leaving the Brocade-clad Guards, leaving the master she revered most, to protect the woman her master loved. That woman possessed the same resilient spirit and iron will as her master, so although Tianzhu felt sorrow, she wouldn't grieve for long. Because she was worthy.
She lowered her head and knelt once more, kowtowing three times to Xiao Shao with solemn reverence, her voice firm and resolute. "This subordinate thanks the master for your nurturing grace."
Xiao Shao's expression seemed slightly moved as well, and he murmured softly, "Thank you."
...
The news of Jiang Ruan being imprisoned naturally didn't reach only Xiao Shao's ears. When it reached Ye Li, his expression turned even uglier than Xiao Shao's.
"Disgusting?" He chewed on the word quietly, a sudden surge of inexplicable fury rising in his chest. He slammed his hand on the table, causing the teapot to topple and shatter into countless pieces on the floor. The hidden guards in the room didn't dare make a sound—Ye Li's expression was too terrifying.
The usually refined and elegant Eighth Prince had long lost his usual smile. The muscles in his cheeks twitched slightly with anger, giving his face a strangely distorted appearance.
How dare she! How dare she do this!
Even imprisoned, she would rather refuse to marry him and even call him "disgusting." Ye Li believed he had never done anything to wrong Jiang Ruan, so the only reason for her harsh treatment of him was Xiao Shao.
In matters of love, Ye Li had always been invincible, never encountering any real rivals. To him, women were nothing more than foolish creatures. Jiang Ruan had never been particularly significant to him, yet every time he saw her, he felt a strange sensation—as if this woman was meant to belong to him. This possessiveness was fully ignited when Jiang Ruan chose Xiao Shao and was even willing to go to such lengths for him, reminding Ye Li of events from many years ago.Back on Mount Canaan, Mr. Yaqi had accepted ten disciples under his tutelage. Xiao Shao was the third disciple taken in by Mr. Yaqi, ranking as the third senior brother. Ye Li, being the eighth disciple, had to address Xiao Shao respectfully as senior brother. Ye Li had been exceptionally bright since childhood, standing out as the most accomplished among the Emperor's sons. At a young age, he had already earned an excellent reputation in court and was beloved by the common people—everything about him was exemplary. Yet this man accustomed to being first in all things had met his match on Mount Canaan.
Mr. Yaqi imposed no restrictions on what his disciples chose to study. When Xiao Shao first became his disciple, the Brocade Hero King Manor had yet to encounter any incidents. With his indifferent temperament and no particular interests, Mr. Yaqi taught him a little of everything, leaving the rest to his innate talent. Even with only minimal instruction, Xiao Shao's astonishing comprehension allowed him to excel in every subject. The fellow disciples on Mount Canaan all admired Xiao Shao, yet he remained inwardly aloof, as if none of these worldly matters were worth his attention.
Ye Li had never been content to lag behind others since childhood. Despite his diligent daily practice, he could never surpass Xiao Shao's effortless mastery. The competitive spirit of youth, coupled with Xiao Shao's consistently cold demeanor toward others, gradually fostered resentment in Ye Li's heart. He couldn't understand why things he had to strive so hard for came to Xiao Shao with such ease.
Later, when the Brocade Hero King Manor met with disaster, Ye Li secretly rejoiced. But though the manor's downfall branded Xiao Shao as the descendant of a traitorous subject, the Emperor instead seemed to value him more highly. Xiao Shao could speak bluntly before the Emperor without needing to guess his intentions like Ye Li had to. With command over a hundred thousand Brocade-clad Guards under him, Ye Li was wary of Xiao Shao and dared not show any overt hostility. For years, the superficial peace between them had been maintained—until Jiang Ruan shattered it overnight. Only then did Ye Li realize his resentment and jealousy toward Xiao Shao had never faded over all these years.
"Any movements from Xiao Shao's side?" Ye Li took a deep breath to steady his emotions before asking.
"Your Highness, Prince Xiao has not taken any action," his subordinate replied.
With such a major incident occurring, the entire capital was likely abuzz with the news. Yet Xiao Shao remained unmoved—it seemed his feelings for Jiang Ruan weren't that deep after all. Ye Li sneered inwardly. Xiao Shao had always been arrogant, ever since their days on Mount Canaan. Ordinary women might fawn over him, unaware that Xiao Shao himself was heartless. That foolish woman Jiang Ruan—since she had rejected him for Xiao Shao, let her see firsthand how cold and unfeeling Xiao Shao truly was. Moreover... Ye Li suddenly smiled faintly. Xiao Shao's marriage petition to the Emperor must have reached the ears of the civil and military officials by now. To seek the Emperor's permission for marriage one moment, then turn a blind eye when his beloved was imprisoned the next—Xiao Shao, already viewed as a traitorous subject by the court, would see his reputation plummet even further.
This might even incur Empress Dowager Yide's displeasure. Though she refrained from interfering in court affairs, it didn't mean she held no influence. At times, Empress Dowager Yide's stance could determine an official's entire future career.Xiao Shao would suffer such a great loss because of this matter. The mere thought of it lifted Ye Li's spirits, and his earlier displeasure vanished in an instant. He said cheerfully, "Send someone to keep an eye on Brocade Hero King Manor and observe Xiao Shao's movements."
"Yes," the subordinate acknowledged before leaving. Ye Li leaned back in his chair, toying with the thumb ring on his finger, and slowly smiled.
...
Shifting with the wind has always been human nature, and this was especially evident in the Ministry of Personnel.
The servants and matrons in Ruan Residence were all uneasy. As soon as the news of Jiang Ruan's imprisonment spread, those with quick wits had already switched sides, abandoning their old master to seek favor with the new one.
In just half a year, Jiang Ruan found herself imprisoned for the second time. The first had been due to Old Madam Jiang's death, but that case had never been handed over to the Ministry of Justice, and there had been many doubts surrounding it. Now, the deceased was Princess Heyi, a matter involving the imperial family, and the case was directly submitted to the Ministry of Justice for trial. Most importantly, there was a crucial witness in this case—the Fourth Prince, Ye Lang.
If a murder was witnessed, having a witness meant the accused was almost certain to be convicted. Especially when the witness was a prince of the nation. Nearly everyone believed Jiang Ruan would not be as fortunate as last time, and the prosperous futures of the Jiang siblings, Jiang Xin Zhi and Jiang Ruan, would come to an end here. The Jiang residence, after all, could no longer tolerate them.
In the courtyard, Hong Ying reclined on a soft chair, basking in the autumn afternoon sun, one hand resting on her swollen belly. The sunlight was just right—neither too hot nor too cold. On the table before her were delicate pastries, and even the tea had been specially prepared by Jiang Quan's orders to nourish her health. With her due date approaching, the entire household treated Hong Ying with the utmost reverence.
Sitting across from her was Jiang Dan, who carefully picked up a pastry and took a small bite, smiling as she said, "These pastries are quite well-made."
"The master hired the chef from outside," Hong Ying replied casually. "The Fourth Young Miss will be entering the palace in a few days. I hope you won’t find our humble pastries too lacking."
"You flatter me, Auntie," Jiang Dan replied with a modest smile. "Life in the palace isn’t as easy as it seems on the surface. Just look at what happened to Da Jiejie there." Her expression darkened. "I had hoped to rely on her guidance in the palace, but who could have expected such a thing to happen?"
(End of Chapter)
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