Jiang Ruan was momentarily stunned, feeling somewhat speechless and a faint warmth creeping onto her cheeks. In her heart, she mused that someone as seemingly aloof as Xiao Shao always had a way of making their interactions unbearably awkward.
The Empress Dowager's Imperial Decree arrived abruptly, like a thunderclap, leaving those involved scrambling to decipher its implications. Some speculated that with Xiao Shao growing increasingly audacious, the royal dignity could no longer be ignored. Bestowing Jiang Ruan upon him might seem a boon to others, but for someone already branded a "Traitorous Subject," it was a hot potato. Some saw it as a royal warning to Jinying Wang, while others with a longer view believed the Empress Dowager was paving his way. After all, if Jiang Xin Zhi returned unscathed from the frontlines, the strengthened ties between the two would create an unstoppable force in the Da Jin Dynasty court.
Yet, the royal mind was never so easily read—the Emperor's intentions remained inscrutable. Meanwhile, the young women of Da Jin harbored simpler thoughts, lamenting that a man as dashing as Xiao Shao would end up marrying merely a minister's daughter.
When these rumors reached the minister's residence, Hong Ying was in conversation with Jiang Susu.
Lately, Jiang Susu had grown even more delicate and refined, her grace tinged with a subtle, alluring charm. Unlike Jiang Ruan's striking beauty, Jiang Susu's allure lay in her every gesture, exuding the irresistible allure of a young, well-tended matron. Even Hong Ying, a former courtesan, found herself captivated by Jiang Susu's demeanor.
"Auntie?" Noticing Hong Ying's dazed expression, Jiang Susu's eyes flickered with disdain before blossoming into a soft smile—like a dewy white lotus trembling at dawn, its petals teasing the heart. It seemed she could enchant anyone, regardless of gender.
Hong Ying snapped out of her trance, a shiver of unease running through her. She recalled how the second young mistress had been secluded in her courtyard, her activities unknown. With Jiang Chao's rising status and regained favor from Jiang Quan, Hong Ying could no longer afford to antagonize Jiang Susu. Besides, Jiang Quan had made it clear they were to coexist peacefully. Yet today, Jiang Susu had unexpectedly visited her courtyard. Only then did Hong Ying notice that the scars on Jiang Susu's face had vanished without a trace, leaving her even more enchanting than before.
Jiang Quan himself was strikingly handsome, and his children had inherited the family's good looks. Among the three daughters, Jiang Ruan was radiantly beautiful, Jiang Susu ethereally delicate, and Jiang Dan, though slightly plainer, made up for it with her fresh, docile charm. Yet, from Hong Ying's experienced perspective, while men claimed to admire Jiang Susu's otherworldly purity, their secret desires always leaned toward bold, captivating beauty. Thus, Jiang Ruan's looks were most appealing—though they also drew scorn from the literati purists.Now, Jiang Susu still appeared without a trace of makeup, yet somehow exuded an alluring charm that even Hong Ying found herself drawn to. Though puzzled, Hong Ying couldn't help but discard her previous disdain for Jiang Susu. With such beauty and grace, coupled with a few coquettish tricks, Jiang Susu could easily obtain anything she desired in the future by making good use of her assets.
Thinking this, Hong Ying smiled and said, "Now that I see Second Young Miss has blossomed into such a stunning beauty, even I couldn't help but stare. Please forgive my rudeness."
"What are you saying, Auntie?" Jiang Susu smiled faintly. She was adept at maintaining her fairy-like demeanor, but now there was an added allure to her every gesture—raising a hand, lowering her gaze—all effortlessly drawing attention. She continued, "I've only heard that when Auntie first entered the manor, Father doted on you endlessly. Auntie's beauty was so renowned that many in the capital flocked to our gates just to catch a glimpse. Now, years later, Auntie remains as youthful as ever, even carrying a little brother in your womb, your grace surpassing even your younger days. Truly breathtaking—no wonder Father cherishes you so."
These words greatly flattered Hong Ying, and she instinctively placed a hand on her belly. In truth, there was no child there, but as long as she claimed there was, then there was. The Jiang household was now entirely under her control, with Jiang Quan firmly in her grasp, believing every word she said. By the time of the supposed birth, with proper preparations, the child would "arrive" smoothly and grow up as the young master of the household.
A genuine smile surfaced on her face as she regarded Jiang Susu with satisfaction. This Second Young Miss seemed quite sensible now. Having experienced Xia Yan's schemes in the past, and with Xia Yan now fallen, Jiang Susu was clearly eager to curry favor. Hong Ying felt a surge of pride.
"Second Young Miss flatters me too much. I'm merely a concubine—how could I possibly deserve such praise for grace and charm? But you, Second Young Miss," Hong Ying said meaningfully, "have grown into such a rare beauty. I daresay there isn't another in the entire capital who could compare. In the future, you'll surely marry into a distinguished family, living in luxury and being cherished like a treasure—that will be true glory, an endless display of grace."
"You jest, Auntie," Jiang Susu sighed, her expression darkening. "Now that Mother is gravely ill, Father is busy with court affairs, and Auntie is with child, Grandfather and Grandmother can't be bothered with Su Su's matters. Who in this household even remembers me anymore..." She wiped away the tears welling in her eyes, her voice softening. "Besides, I don't have Da Jiejie's fortune—to have the Empress Dowager arrange her marriage to someone as divine as Prince Xiao of Brocade Hero King Manor."
Hong Ying inwardly scoffed—so it was just sour grapes and envy. But since Jiang Susu was pouring out her grievances, she couldn't very well leave them unaddressed. She promptly smiled and said, "Second Young Miss mustn't belittle yourself. Eldest Young Miss was merely fortunate. Forgive my bluntness, but in terms of talent and looks, how are you inferior to her? Had it not been for the arranged marriage, with your qualities, who's to say you couldn't have entered the gates of Brocade Hero King Manor?"These words were somewhat excessive. The gates of Brocade Hero King Manor were not so easily entered. Earlier, court officials had hinted that the Emperor intended to betroth the daughter of Coastal Governor Cheng to Xiao Shao. What kind of person was Miss Cheng? Even a princess might not compare. The Emperor held Xiao Shao in such high regard—how could a mere daughter of a minor minister ever catch his eye? If not for Empress Dowager Yide's arranged marriage, Jiang Ruan would never have had this opportunity either.
Jiang Susu sneered inwardly, but her tone grew even more subdued: "Thank you for your comfort, Auntie. Susu knows her status is lowly, far inferior to Da Jiejie's grace and beauty. I’ve never dared to dream of marrying into Brocade Hero King Manor as its princess like her. Only..." Here, her voice trembled slightly, her eyes reddening, her expression so genuine it seemed impossible to fake. "Only, long ago, I already regarded Jinying Wang as the one who holds my heart. I only wished to gaze upon him from afar. Never did I imagine even this dream would be denied to me now."
Hong Ying was startled, never expecting Jiang Susu to reveal such a secret in her presence. Hong Ying considered their relationship far from intimate enough to share such maidenly sentiments, and Jiang Susu was not the type to trust others recklessly. There must be some ulterior motive here. Instead of relaxing, Hong Ying grew wary, forcing a smile as she said, "Is Second Young Lady serious about this? One shouldn’t jest about their own reputation."
"Does Auntie not believe me either?" Jiang Susu sighed faintly. With this slight frown, her eyes seemed to mist over like a hazy flower—just as one thought to see clearly, they were drawn into their unfathomable depths. Her pale lips, plump and delicate, moved as she spoke, enough to stir a thirst in those who watched.
Hong Ying struggled to suppress the restlessness in her heart and averted her gaze. Jiang Susu continued, "If Auntie doesn’t believe me, so be it. Three years ago, during the Exquisite Boat Lantern Festival, after Prince Xiao came to my aid, my heart was wholly his. I thought if I couldn’t be his wife, at least I could admire him from afar. Who could have foreseen such twists of fate would make him my brother-in-law?"
The more Hong Ying listened, the more absurd it seemed. After weighing her words carefully, she asked, "Since Second Young Lady knows your ties are now severed, it’s best to let go sooner rather than later. Choosing another worthy match might still lead to a good marriage."
Jiang Susu cast a sorrowful glance at Hong Ying—a glance like a sudden glint of light, as if one were witnessing a beautiful serpent slowly coiling, impossible to look away from.
"Susu has tried to forget him, but later realized it was impossible. Coming to Auntie now is a last resort in my desperation. I only hope Auntie will take pity on me and save my life."
Hong Ying inwardly cursed Jiang Susu’s cunning. After all this circling, she still had a request to make. But Hong Ying also wanted to hear what Jiang Susu truly intended. If the risks outweighed the gains, she wouldn’t dirty her hands. But if there was some advantage to be had, a favor granted wouldn’t hurt.
With this in mind, Hong Ying softened her expression and said gently, "Second Young Lady flatters this humble one too much. How does Second Young Lady wish for me to help?""If Second Madam is willing to help me, that would be wonderful." Jiang Susu smiled faintly. "My heart belongs solely to Prince Xiao, but the position of principal wife will undoubtedly be taken by my elder sister now. Susu has never dared to dream of competing with Da Jiejie for anything—I only wish to secure a place by the prince's side. Even being a concubine would suffice."
"A concubine?" Hong Ying couldn't help exclaiming in shock. For the legitimate daughter of a minister's household to become someone's concubine would be a laughingstock if word got out. It seemed Jiang Susu's infatuation with Xiao Shao ran so deep that she could even tolerate degrading herself to such a position. Yet even if she could bear it, Jiang Quan would never permit it.
"My dear young miss, it's not that this humble one refuses to help you," Hong Ying sighed. "But Second Young Miss's request is truly too difficult. The master dotes on you immensely—how could he bear to see you become a concubine, subject to another's whims? If you proceed with this, where would that leave the dignity of the entire minister's household? Though these words overstep my station, I must say: Second Young Miss, if you have any regard for the Jiang family at all, you cannot entertain such thoughts."
By the time she finished speaking, Jiang Susu's eyes were brimming with tears. "Second Madam, if there were any other way, would Susu resort to this? No one is born willing to become a concubine. Moreover, having been raised in luxury within these walls, I'm well aware how shameful this matter is. But... but Susu's heart belongs only to the prince. If I cannot marry him, I could never marry anyone else."
Her eyes shone as she looked at Hong Ying. "Besides, didn't Second Madam say before? Though Susu may not match Da Jiejie in beauty, I'm not without merits. Who's to say I couldn't win Prince Xiao's favor in time? If the prince were pleased and elevated my status—since both Da Jiejie and I are from the same household—sisters sharing one husband would make for an admirable tale when spoken of." She reached out to grasp Hong Ying's hand, her voice thick with entreaty. "I beg Second Madam to help Susu. If fortune smiles upon me and I gain the prince's regard someday, I shall never forget your kindness today."
Hong Ying's gaze flickered. Originally this matter had nothing to do with her, and she shouldn't involve herself. Yet Jiang Susu's words had stirred something within her. In the past, she had only wanted to live peacefully in the household. When Xia Yan was present, she had been cautious and timid, fearful of giving anyone leverage. Though she enjoyed Jiang Quan's favor all these years, her life had been one of constant vigilance. Now with Xia Yan gone and Second Madam dead, while the bedroom maid Lian Ye posed no threat, Hong Ying essentially ruled the household alone. Once someone tasted power, it became difficult to relinquish. Though Jiang Ruan had helped her before, Jiang Quan and Jiang Ruan were sworn enemies. To maintain her firm position in the household, she couldn't afford further entanglement with Jiang Ruan.
Moreover, Jiang Ruan herself was far too cunning—impossible to control. Hong Ying had grown accustomed to issuing commands these days; how could she tolerate being subordinate before Jiang Ruan? Most crucially, Jiang Ruan knew her secret. This was like an unpredictable calamity buried deep in Hong Ying's heart, robbing her of peaceful sleep each night. If she could help Jiang Susu enter Brocade Hero King Manor and establish good relations with her, perhaps she could use this to restrain Jiang Ruan somewhat—or at least make Jiang Ruan think twice before acting against her.Hong Ying sized up the woman before her. Jiang Susu was dressed in pristine white, yet she exuded a bewitching allure, like a malevolent spirit in fox form. Every gesture and movement of hers seemed dazzling to the eye. This was different from mere physical beauty—it was a charm ingrained in her very bones. Even Hong Ying, who had spent so many years in the pleasure quarters, couldn't help but inwardly applaud Jiang Susu's current demeanor. Had Jiang Susu been born many years earlier, the top courtesan of the brothel would likely have been replaced.
Such a woman had every reason to be doted on by men. Even if Xiao Shao were made of stone, he would surely be moved by such a beauty. After all, men were creatures driven by instinct. With the second young miss's formidable skills, capturing the heart of the legendary cold and aloof young prince wouldn't be too difficult a task. In contrast, though Jiang Ruan was radiant in appearance, upon closer consideration, her temperament was too cold and severe. Men preferred warmth and softness—women ought to show vulnerability. How could Jiang Ruan's unyielding nature compare to a single tear from Jiang Susu?
The more Hong Ying observed, the more she became convinced that if Jiang Susu and Jiang Ruan both entered the Brocade Hero King Manor, it would inevitably end with Jiang Ruan being neglected and Jiang Susu favored. Now that Jiang Susu's birth mother had lost her power, she would have to rely on Hong Ying to survive well in the manor. From the looks of it, Jiang Susu was also sensible—far easier to manipulate than Jiang Ruan. Having formed her plan, Hong Ying knew this favor wouldn't come without a price. Feigning hesitation, she said, "This... the second young miss's devotion is touching. As a woman myself, I understand your feelings. But while this matter may seem simple, it's not easy to accomplish. If it goes awry and the master punishes us, you, as the legitimate young miss of the household, would naturally be unharmed. But I'm merely a concubine—if the master is displeased, he might even cast me out. That wouldn't matter much, but I'm now carrying a child in my womb. I don't want this child to be born under punishment, nameless and unrecognized..."
(End of Chapter)
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