"The world is ever-changing," Hong Ying sighed in agreement, glancing at Jiang Dan. "But the Fourth Young Miss seems blessed with good fortune. This time entering the palace, she will likely gain the Emperor's favor. In the future, the glory of the Jiang family may well rest upon you. Who knows, even the Eldest Young Lady might not compare to the splendor you'll achieve."
"Auntie, don't tease me," Jiang Dan lowered her head, though a glint of shrewdness flashed swiftly in her eyes. She asked seemingly casually, "But now that Da Jiejie is imprisoned, has Father thought of any good way to rescue her?"
"A way? What way could there be?" Hong Ying picked up her teacup and took a leisurely sip before continuing, "Such a major incident could easily implicate the entire household. The Eldest Young Lady has truly stirred up a hornet's nest this time. Your father is already furious and has discussed it at length with your second brother, yet no solution has been found. Now, Consort Shu in the palace is enraged, and the Emperor has lost Princess Heyi. The Eldest Young Lady cannot escape this calamity. If your father were to plead for mercy, wouldn't that only add fuel to the fire?"
Jiang Dan's fingers, holding the pastry, paused slightly. She adopted a worried expression. "So Father's intention is to abandon her?"
"The master is powerless in this matter," Hong Ying examined her painted nails. "The Eldest Young Lady is part of the Jiang household. She naturally understands when sacrifices must be made. We cannot risk the lives of the entire family for her sake alone."
In the imperial study, the Emperor's expression was grave as he regarded the young Grand Tutor before him. "We were unaware that Grand Tutor Liu had taken such an interest in the affairs of the Princess of Great Peace."
"This humble official is merely fulfilling his duties. Moreover, there are many doubts surrounding this case. It would be prudent to wait for further investigation by the Ministry of Justice. A public trial would also satisfy the people," Liu Min replied with neither arrogance nor humility. The young man, known for his integrity and refusal to form factions, had risen swiftly in the court and made notable contributions. Facing the Emperor's questioning gaze for the first time, he remained composed and forthright.
With a sharp "thud," a memorial was flung at Liu Min. The Emperor's voice was low and stern. "We are asking you, when did you become so concerned about the Princess of Great Peace?"
As the ruler of the nation, the Emperor had eyes and ears everywhere in the palace and was no stranger to rumors. His displeasure with Liu Min was evident. Yet Liu Min stood unwavering, his expression unchanged, and replied quietly, "This humble official acts as a subject should, without personal motives."
Eunuch Li stole a glance at the young man opposite him. Radiating an air of scholarly grace, Liu Min possessed the stubborn pride of a literati at his core. He had been personally groomed by the Emperor for the future of the Great Jin dynasty, yet now he was defying the Emperor's will, unyielding in his pursuit of justice. Eunuch Li pondered silently. Earlier that afternoon, General Zhao had already visited, and Empress Dowager Yide had also voiced her opinion. Although Xiao Shao had remained silent, given his nature, he would not stand idly by. Even Liu Min, the upright Grand Tutor, had spoken up—proof that the Jiang family's legitimate daughter, the Princess of Great Peace, was no ordinary figure. But Liu Min's intervention was likely to pour oil on the fire of the Emperor's already simmering anger, hardly a wise strategy.The Emperor stared coldly at Liu Min for a long moment before suddenly slamming the table with force. "What a fine claim of impartiality! Since everyone is pleading for Jiang Ruan's sake, what harm is there in granting a few more days? Very well! Let us see what evidence you can produce next. Get out!"
Faced with the Emperor's wrath, Liu Min merely bowed silently and withdrew. Eunuch Li spoke softly to soothe him, "Your Majesty need not be overly troubled. Grand Tutor Liu's words hold some merit. There may be more to this matter, and it would be unwise to let opportunists exploit it. A few more days' grace would do no harm."
"Do you take me for a fool?" The Emperor glared at the memorials on the table with frustration. "I simply cannot fathom how everyone has fallen under Jiang Ruan's spell. Is she truly some kind of enchantress?"
...
After leaving the imperial study, Liu Min exited the palace and headed straight for the Ministry of Justice's prison. The jailer was startled at his arrival and scrambled to greet him. "Grand Tutor, to what do we owe this visit? Is there something you require?"
"I've come to see someone." Liu Min frowned slightly. Even after years in officialdom, he remained unaccustomed to such fawning behavior. Nonetheless, he retrieved a silver ingot from his sleeve and handed it to the jailer.
The jailer accepted it with flattered surprise, thinking to himself that even the famously upright and incorruptible Grand Tutor was not above the usual greasing of palms in official circles. Why put on such an air of moral superiority? Despite his inner thoughts, he maintained a respectful demeanor. "Of course, of course. Grand Tutor need only ask, and I shall do my utmost to accommodate you. Whom do you wish to see?"
"The Princess of Great Peace," Liu Min replied.
Jiang Ruan was held in the innermost cell, reserved for those condemned to death. Though her sentence had not yet been finalized, nearly everyone believed her fate was sealed—how could one who had killed a princess of the realm possibly escape unscathed? Thanks to Xiao Shao or Zhao Guang's arrangements, however, she had not suffered unduly in prison, and the guards had not given her undue trouble.
When Liu Min reached the deepest cell, he saw Jiang Ruan sitting against the wall, lost in thought. There was no trace of the panic or distress one might expect. He felt a momentary relief, then mocked himself—of course she was no ordinary woman. The typical hysterics of a woman thrown into prison would never be seen in her.
"Princess," he called out.
Jiang Ruan snapped out of her reverie and looked up at him, surprise flickering in her eyes before she smiled. "Grand Tutor Liu."
Liu Min crouched before the cell bars, meeting her gaze. A quick glance around revealed that while the conditions were austere, they were not harsh—far better than the other cells he had passed. Jiang Ruan's clothes were clean and intact, suggesting she had not been mistreated. Someone had clearly made arrangements on her behalf.
"To what do I owe the honor of your visit, Grand Tutor Liu?" Jiang Ruan asked when he remained silent.
Liu Min studied her for a moment. "I... came to see you." After a pause, he added, "Are you well?"The young man's eyes shimmered with affection, and despite his best efforts to conceal it, traces of emotion still inadvertently leaked through. Jiang Ruan, ever perceptive, frowned slightly before forcing a smile. "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Grand Tutor."
Her politeness was impeccable, yet carried an aloofness that kept others at arm's length. Liu Min's heart ached faintly. Thinking of today's events, he straightened and said solemnly, "I believe you. You didn't kill Princess Heyi."
Liu Min felt that although Jiang Ruan appeared cold and indifferent, she was inherently kind-hearted. Otherwise, she wouldn't have intervened when she saw Princess Heyi bullying the Thirteenth Prince.
"Of course I didn't kill her," Jiang Ruan met his gaze. "I had no reason to."
Hearing her words, Liu Min's expression brightened. "Don't worry, I'll find a way to get you out of here."
Jiang Ruan was slightly taken aback. Though she had initially helped Liu Min with the intention of using him as a stepping stone in the future, the young Grand Tutor's current actions ran counter to her original plans. His sincere feelings were nothing but pressure to her.
"Thank you, Grand Tutor Liu," Jiang Ruan paused. "But I have my own plans. The truth will come out eventually, so there's no need for you to trouble yourself."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Liu Min's eyes. "You don't consider me a friend." Before Jiang Ruan could respond, he continued, "You helped me before, and now it's my turn to repay you. I must help you this once—don't refuse. As the ancients said, 'A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude.' The favor you showed me was immense; my fate was rewritten because of you. If I don't repay you, what kind of man would I be?"
After a long silence, Jiang Ruan shook her head. "Grand Tutor Liu, your sincerity moves me, and I would gladly befriend you. But in this matter, I truly have my own plans. Your rash assistance might do more harm than good. Perhaps in the future, when I face trouble, I'll ask for your help. I hope you won't refuse me then."
"I would never refuse you," Liu Min said hurriedly. Under the dim lamplight, Jiang Ruan's eyes glimmered like water, her flawless features even more striking. His heart stirred, and the words he had long wanted to say slipped out unchecked: "Would you... would you allow me to protect you?"
Jiang Ruan stared at him in astonishment.
Liu Min's handsome face flushed slightly—this was his first time confessing such feelings to a girl. Gone was his usual air of aloof pride; in its place was only clumsy bashfulness. "I... I have admired you for a long time. Right now, you're struggling in court, and today's events prove there are many who wish to frame you. If this continues, you won't be able to guard against every threat. But if you were to marry into another family, you'd gain protection. Though I lack great achievements, I wish to shield you for the rest of my life. I would devote all my abilities to ensuring you never suffer the slightest grievance."
Jiang Ruan studied him. In her past life, she had never learned of Liu Min's ultimate fate. Given his talents, if he couldn't be used by Ye Li, he likely met a tragic end. Yet she had also witnessed his rise from obscurity—fate, in its twists and turns, had granted this upright young man a chance to soar. Step by step, he had ascended, fulfilling his lifelong ambitions.Yet two people who had no connection in their previous lives had now crossed paths by some twist of fate in this lifetime. She had only intended to use him, but inadvertently gained someone's genuine affection.
"I..." Jiang Ruan was about to speak when a familiar, cold voice came from ahead, tinged with a hint of displeasure.
"She doesn’t need your protection, because she is mine."
A familiar figure emerged from the shadows, the hem of his dark blue robe swaying, its golden embroidery shimmering even in the dim light. Xiao Shao walked up to the prison bars, casting an indifferent glance at Liu Min before turning to Jiang Ruan. He handed a basket through the small window: "Pastries from the palace kitchen, and some clothes. The nights are cold—don’t catch a chill."
He still seemed displeased, his tone stiff, yet every gesture and the items he handed over unmistakably declared his close relationship with Jiang Ruan. Liu Min had already been stunned by Xiao Shao’s earlier declaration—"she is mine"—and now, witnessing his actions, his expression darkened instantly.
Jin San silently rolled her eyes behind them. Their master’s jealousy was truly excessive. The moment Jin Si reported that Grand Tutor Liu had visited the imperial study and then the prison today, Xiao Shao had rushed over without delay. His behavior was practically suffocating. If she were Grand Tutor Liu, she would have punched Xiao Shao by now—though, of course, she couldn’t defeat him, and Liu Min, a frail scholar with no strength to speak of, stood even less of a chance.
True to his reputation as a gentleman who preferred action over words, Grand Tutor Liu stood up, frowning at Xiao Shao. "Prince Xiao, you should be more responsible with your words." His tone was indignant. "This will tarnish the reputation of the Princess of Great Peace."
"A Ruan." Xiao Shao ignored Liu Min entirely, his gaze fixed on Jiang Ruan in the cell, his voice softer than anyone had ever heard. "The public trial is in three days. Don’t worry."
The intimate address—"A Ruan"—left Jiang Ruan momentarily dazed, taking a long moment to regain her composure. Her stunned reaction, however, was interpreted by Liu Min as silent acquiescence. Seeing how familiar their terms of address had become, Liu Min paled instantly. Noticing his expression, Jiang Ruan felt a pang of realization and smiled at Xiao Shao. "Good. With you here, I have nothing to fear."
Jin San watched Grand Tutor Liu with sympathy. The poor man was clearly wounded by their blatant display of affection. If Xiao Shao’s words had been a fatal blow, Jiang Ruan’s radiant smile in response was the merciless follow-up.
Liu Min’s lips trembled before he managed to force out a few strained words: "In that case, Princess, Liu Min shall take his leave." With that, he turned and hurried away, his retreating figure steeped in sorrow.
Jiang Ruan was still staring after Liu Min when Xiao Shao suddenly stepped in front of her, blocking her view. She looked up to find him gazing down at her. "No need to look. He’s gone."
"..." Jiang Ruan glared at him. Xiao Shao had been acting increasingly strange lately, as if he were a completely different person. At times, she wondered if this was the same cold-hearted Jinying Wang the world spoke of. To her, his behavior was nothing short of childish—childish?
She took a deep breath. "Xiao Shao, why are you really here?""If I hadn't come, you would have become the Grand Tutor's wife by now," Xiao Shao reminded her.
"..."
In the darkness, Jin San couldn't help but let out another quiet groan. The way their master spoke was so full of melancholy—Butler Lin really ought to witness this too, then he'd understand what it means when they say a jealous man is a fool!
"I won't enter the Grand Tutor's household," Jiang Ruan said. "If I truly married him, his political career would be over."
"You're always thinking of him—no wonder he misunderstood," the beautiful Xiao Shao pressed on relentlessly.
"You barging in uninvited today also gave him the wrong idea, didn't it?" Jiang Ruan countered. "He won't misunderstand anymore."
Xiao Shao's expression darkened. With his striking handsomeness and heroic bearing, his cold demeanor under the lamplight made him appear even more aloof and immortal-like, exuding an air of restrained desire. Ultimately, he still harbored resentment over Liu Min's matter—this wasn't the first time he'd witnessed Liu Min showing favor to Jiang Ruan. How could he possibly be content with that? But since Jiang Ruan had spoken thus, he turned his head away and said nonchalantly, "Mm, don't see him again in the future either."
How could someone be so domineering! Jiang Ruan fumed silently as she picked up the items he'd handed her earlier—indeed, they were food and clothing, all meticulously prepared. In truth, these past few days Xiao Shao had arranged for everything to be taken care of, making her prison stay hardly any worse than being at home. Unbidden, memories surfaced of her previous life when she'd also been imprisoned—back then, she'd been deliberately tormented until she was barely recognizable from the emaciation.
(End of Chapter)
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