The implication in these words was almost blatant, and Jiang Susu was no fool. She immediately said, "Auntie need not worry. I hope Auntie can help with this matter. Once it's accomplished, to repay Auntie's kindness, I will personally speak to Father and Grandparents, open the ancestral hall, and ask Father to elevate Auntie to the status of a legitimate wife."
As long as Xia Yan wasn't dead, she couldn't be arbitrarily deposed as the principal wife. But elevating Hong Ying to the status of a co-wife would practically give her free rein in the household. This was exactly what Hong Ying wanted—Xia Yan would merely retain an empty title, not worth fearing, and Jiang Quan would never trust a woman who had lost her chastity. Satisfied, Hong Ying smiled and patted Jiang Susu's hand. "Second Young Lady is truly thoughtful. But what exactly did you mean earlier about needing my help?"
Jiang Susu lowered her head and stood up, her voice soft. "This... please take a look, Auntie. Later, I will come to discuss the details with you." With that, she signaled her maid to hand over a letter. Hong Ying took the envelope, glanced at Jiang Susu, and smiled again. "Naturally, that's fine. I'm feeling unwell, so I won't see you out."
"Auntie should rest well for the baby's sake. I'll take my leave now." Jiang Susu nodded to Hong Ying and walked out of the courtyard.
Only after leaving Hong Ying's courtyard did Jiang Susu pause at the garden entrance. She turned to look back at the gate, a cold smile slowly spreading across her face. A lowly woman from the pleasure quarters, yet dreaming of climbing the branches to become a phoenix? Even if she wanted to be a co-wife of the Jiang household, she’d have to see if she was worthy. As for Jiang Ruan—a flash of resentment crossed Jiang Susu's eyes—just a crude girl raised in the countryside, what right did she have to marry into the opulent Brocade Hero King Manor? Was it simply because she was born lucky?
If Xiao Shao had any sense at all, he wouldn’t choose Jiang Ruan over her. Jiang Susu lightly traced her cheek. Her Bewitchment technique was now perfected; every man in the world would fall at her feet. She would compete with Jiang Ruan for everything—whatever Jiang Ruan valued, whatever Jiang Ruan possessed, she would seize it, even if it was a husband.
She would always be the ultimate victor.
Empress Dowager Yide's Imperial Decree of marriage was undeniably significant. Even though Xiao Shao was about to leave the capital, the marriage had been settled for now. Since Jiang Ruan was still in mourning, the wedding couldn’t proceed, but in name, she already belonged to Xiao Shao.
Ordinary folk couldn’t fathom the intricate web of relationships behind this. They could only privately envy the Jiang family’s good fortune—to have a daughter married into the Brocade Hero King Manor. Though the Jinying Wang’s reputation wasn’t the best, commoners knew little of such matters. On the surface, the so-called "traitorous subject," Prince Xiao, was actually a coveted figure in the imperial court. To wield such power at such a young age—Xiao Shao was the first.
Lord Jiang’s three daughters were each as beautiful as flowers and the moon. The eldest, though raised in the countryside, couldn’t hide her own brilliance. Later, by some stroke of luck, she became a county princess and now was marrying well. The Jiang household’s status would undoubtedly rise with the tide.With Jiang Ruan setting such a brilliant precedent, it naturally led people to ponder Jiang Susu's future prospects. To be honest, Jiang Susu had always been renowned in the capital as a peerless beauty, with her talents widely celebrated. Had Xia Yan not been involved in scandal, their doorstep would likely have been worn out by suitors. However, tainted by her mother's sullied reputation, Jiang Susu inevitably suffered some collateral damage. Respectable families looked down on her, while those who coveted her beauty were deemed unworthy of their status by Jiang Quan. Thus, her marriage prospects were delayed in this back-and-forth.
Regardless of how aggrieved and displeased Jiang Quan felt inside, he had to maintain a cheerful facade in response to Empress Dowager Yide's Imperial Decree. Moreover, everything had to be executed flawlessly—under the watchful eyes of the Empress Dowager's people, there was no room for any underhanded schemes. Fortunately, he still had a sweet-talking flower in the household. Hong Ying took charge of all arrangements for Jiang Ruan's marriage, overseeing every detail inside and out, with the assistance of the bedroom maid Lian Ye, ensuring no breach of etiquette. Jiang Quan was thoroughly satisfied with Hong Ying, especially since she was carrying the Jiang family's heir, and thus treated her with even greater care and attention.
Hong Ying indeed considered Jiang Ruan's affairs meticulously. From the time the Empress Dowager issued the decree until now, Xiao Shao had yet to visit the Jiang residence. Strictly speaking, this was improper etiquette, but with Xiao Shao having no living parents, there was no one to act on his behalf. For someone of his temperament, a personal visit seemed highly unlikely. And if Xiao Shao truly delayed indefinitely, given Jiang Quan's rank, he wouldn't dare openly criticize him.
When Hong Ying brought up the matter, she adjusted Jiang Quan's collar and said, "In any case, Prince Xiao will have to come to our residence eventually. I was thinking that, whether he comes or not, we should uphold proper etiquette. Why not send him an invitation card, asking him to visit the manor to discuss Eldest Miss's marriage?"
The mere thought of this marriage made Jiang Quan's head throb with pain, yet it was an arrangement he couldn't afford to offend. He replied stiffly, "Handle it as you see fit."
"Normally, this should be the mistress's duty," Hong Ying lowered her head. "But since Madam is recuperating at the estate, it would be inappropriate to trouble her. I only hope Prince Xiao won't disdain my humble origins and think it beneath him."
"What humble origins?" The mention of Xia Yan brought unpleasant memories to Jiang Quan's mind, worsening his mood. His tone turned sharp. "You are now the mistress of this household. If Xiao Shao wants to marry my daughter, Jiang Ruan still bears the Jiang name—he must abide by our family's rules. Send the invitation card without hesitation. If he doesn't come, so be it. The one who will be seen as lacking propriety is him. Even if this were brought before the Empress Dowager, he would be the one at fault."
"Don't be angry, Master," Hong Ying soothed gently. "I'm sure Prince Xiao isn't the type to disregard etiquette. I'll make the arrangements at once. If he chooses to visit in a few days, I'll ensure everything is handled properly. After all, Eldest Miss's marriage cannot be treated lightly—Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is personally overseeing it.""Just trivial matters, no need to overthink it." Jiang Ruan frowned, seeming quite unwilling to hear news about Jiang Susu, then turned to instruct Hong Ying: "If you have spare time, you might as well focus more on Su Su's marriage prospects. She's nearly of marriageable age now, and you're the one handling all the social engagements for the manor. Make more inquiries about suitable young men in the capital—we must secure a good match for Su Su."
"Yes, Master," Hong Ying replied with a smile, though inwardly she sneered. It seemed Jiang Quan's efforts would be in vain. Jiang Susu was no easygoing lamp—those talented young men needn't bother dreaming. Right now, Jiang Susu was single-mindedly determined to climb into her own brother-in-law's bed. But this situation actually made things more convenient for her own plans.
...
When the Jiang family's invitation card reached Xiao Shao's hands, Butler Lin made a point of observing his expression. Seeing no discernible reaction, he couldn't help but remind him: "Your Highness, should we accept this invitation or not?"
"What difference does it make?" Xiao Shao sat down at the table, where a map of the Celestial Jin Kingdom's territories lay spread out before him, marked with numerous notations. With the impending military campaign—a complex operation where anything could go wrong—every detail needed thorough preparation.
"Ah, my prince, it makes all the difference!" Butler Lin pressed anxiously. "Though the Empress Dowager's Imperial Decree has settled that the princess consort will be our manor's mistress, we still can't neglect formalities. If your mother were still here, she would have visited the Minister's residence by now to meet the bride and discuss matters with her family. But since our manor lacks such a figure now, Your Highness should really go personally."
Noticing Xiao Shao's lifted gaze, Butler Lin redoubled his efforts: "Your visit would signify the prince's regard for the princess consort. While she remains at the Minister's residence, others would then view her with greater respect, not daring to mistreat her. Your Highness, this old servant will say it plainly—women need to be coaxed. If you feel the princess consort isn't warm enough toward you, that's actually your failing. A man must take the initiative. By going now, you'd be showing your support for her. Seeing this, she'd surely be moved. Then, if you seize the moment to say a few pleasing words, wouldn't she become utterly devoted to you?"
Butler Lin's words struck a chord with Xiao Shao. His brow arched slightly as he silently studied the map before him, though his expression suggested his thoughts lay elsewhere. After a long pause, he finally nodded and said calmly, "Send a reply. In three days, Xiao Shao will pay a visit."
"Excellent!" Delighted by his usually unyielding master's rare compliance, Butler Lin inwardly praised his teachability before bustling off to find an elegant reply card.
"Take the initiative?" Xiao Shao murmured to himself, his lips curving into an intoxicating smile as his eyes crinkled with amusement.
...
Jiang Ruan remained completely unaware of the exchange of formal invitations between the Minister's residence and the Brocade Hero King Manor. These past few days in the Jiang household had been unusually tranquil. Whether by Jiang Quan's deliberate orders or not, the servants seemed to pointedly ignore her engagement to Xiao Shao—offering neither congratulations nor inquiries, as if intentionally giving her the cold shoulder.Zisu and Lianqiao often mentioned this matter with simmering anger. After all, Jiang Ruan was still a daughter of the Jiang family, yet Jiang Quan had gone to such lengths—it was truly disgraceful. As Lianqiao combed Jiang Ruan's hair, she said, "I heard that these past few days, the Second Young Lady has been visiting Fifth Concubine's courtyard every single day, sitting there for entire afternoons. Who knew they had become so close? That Fifth Concubine is truly ungrateful—now she won’t even acknowledge us. Empress Dowager Yide’s Imperial Decree has been issued for so long, yet she hasn’t come by to ask once. As for the dowry and wedding arrangements, nothing is settled yet."
Traditionally, the mistress of the household would handle all the wedding preparations. If Zhao Mei were still alive, she would have been swamped with work by now. But Hong Ying remained idle, not lifting a finger to help. How could they expect the bride-to-be to inquire about these matters herself?
"She’s not at fault," Jiang Ruan said calmly. "She can easily claim that as a concubine, she has no right to meddle in the affairs of the legitimate daughter. In fact, she’d be justified in saying so. If anything goes wrong, Empress Dowager Yide won’t stand by. She’s counting on that, which is why she deliberately avoids getting involved."
Since Empress Dowager Yide was overseeing everything, Hong Ying likely had no interest in doing thankless tasks. Now that the household authority rested entirely in Hong Ying’s hands, she certainly wouldn’t willingly allocate funds from the family coffers for Jiang Ruan’s dowry. Once someone tasted power, they wouldn’t easily let go. Hong Ying had grown accustomed to her lofty position in the household—how could she possibly be happy about a legitimate daughter who outranked her?
"Anyway, that Fifth Concubine is simply shameless. Has she forgotten that if not for Young Lady’s help, she wouldn’t have lived peacefully in this household, let alone enjoyed the life she has now? Does she really think her pregnancy is—"
"Lianqiao," Jiang Ruan interrupted, "you’ve said too much."
Lianqiao froze, realizing her slip of the tongue, and quickly apologized, "This servant spoke out of turn."
Jiang Ruan shook her head. "It’s fine, just don’t let others hear you. Go pick out a few bolts from the fabrics sent by the palace. Later, you and Zisu can embroider some pouches. There have been many palace visitors lately—we can’t neglect the rewards."
Ever since the Imperial Decree of betrothal was issued, Empress Dowager Yide had frequently sent gifts—mostly jewelry and fabrics—likely thinking they would be useful for a bride-to-be. Jiang Ruan, however, paid little attention to these items. If not for Zisu and the others reminding her, she might have tossed them into a chest and forgotten about them.
Lianqiao stuck out her tongue and obediently went to select the fabrics. Luzhu, who had been quietly embroidering nearby, blinked and asked, "When does Young Lady plan to start embroidering the wedding gown?"
"Wedding gown?" Jiang Ruan was momentarily taken aback.
"Of course, the wedding gown," Luzhu said, resting her chin on her hands and smiling at her. "Don’t all brides embroider their own wedding gowns before marriage? Even if the wedding isn’t until next year, you can start now. Though Prince Xiao might have one sent over, don’t all young ladies prefer to embroider their own? With both Prince Xiao and Young Lady being so striking, just imagining the two of you in wedding attire—I think the entire capital will be dazzled!"Her words were charming, but they plunged Jiang Ruan into deep thought. In her past life, she had been sent into the palace, so she never had the chance to become a bride. During her youth, she had imagined herself adorned in phoenix coronet and robes of rank, yet that moment never came to pass in her previous life. The ordinary happiness of common people was something she had never dared to envision. In this life, had it not been for Xiao Shao securing that Imperial Decree, she wouldn’t have even considered what marriage might look like.
If she were to marry someone else, perhaps she could have faced them with indifference. But since it was Xiao Shao, her heart couldn’t help but feel peculiar. Bridal attire was meant to be worn for the one you loved—what exactly was Xiao Shao’s place in her heart? Jiang Ruan herself hadn’t given it much thought. Perhaps it was something beyond friendship, yet not quite love—still missing that final step.
But that missing step was separated by the deep knots in her heart, and she didn’t know if they would ever unravel in this lifetime. Thinking of this, she felt a faint pang of guilt toward Xiao Shao.
"We’ll talk about it when there’s time," she said, shaking her head absentmindedly. Luzhu noticed her distraction and didn’t press further, quietly returning to her work.
...
True to his word, Xiao Shao arrived at the Jiang residence three days later. He came alone with Butler Lin, dressed in a dark brocade robe with delicate blue bamboo leaf embroidery along the collar. The silver bat on his wrist guards still bared its fangs, exuding an air of formidable authority. As he entered the manor, his expression was cold and imposing, his presence so chilling that none dared meet his gaze. His aura was restrained yet subtly domineering, carrying an unspoken intimidation.
The maids leading the way blushed but didn’t dare look up at his striking features, keeping their heads bowed the entire time as they guided him in silence. Along the way, every passing servant couldn’t help but stare in awe. Butler Lin, naturally, stood tall with pride, his chest puffed out in satisfaction.
When they reached the main hall, Hong Ying and the bedroom maid Lian Ye were already waiting. Supported by a maid, Hong Ying curtsied to Xiao Shao with a warm smile. "This humble one greets Your Highness. The madam is currently away from the manor, so this lowly one has been managing household affairs. I hope Your Highness does not find my presence presumptuous."
Xiao Shao responded with a faint "Mm" before taking his seat. Butler Lin stood beside him and, without waiting for Xiao Shao to speak, smiled amiably. "There’s no need for such formality, Fifth Concubine. As family of our future princess consort, you need not stand on ceremony. His Highness is not one for excessive rules—please, be at ease."
Though Butler Lin’s tone was pleasant, his words carried an unmistakable edge. Claiming there were no rules was, in truth, the height of arrogance. Lian Ye stood silently to the side, while the surrounding maids sensed the tension—it was clear the master and servant from Brocade Hero King Manor had come with ill intentions, likely to assert their support for the eldest young miss. They lowered their heads even further, hoping to avoid drawing attention.
Hong Ying’s smile stiffened momentarily, but having grown up in the streets, she was adept at handling such situations. In an instant, she regained her natural, warm expression. "That’s most gracious of you. The eldest young miss is the legitimate daughter of this household, deeply cherished by the master. Seeing Your Highness’s care for her surely brings him great joy."Xiao Shao remained silent, so Butler Lin spoke up, "Madam, you are too polite. Since Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has issued an Imperial Decree, the future princess consort is naturally the mistress of our manor and will certainly receive His Highness's care. Today, apart from discussing this matter, His Highness has also instructed this old servant to deliver the betrothal gift list. The gifts will be presented to the princess consort along with her dowry after the wedding. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has also reviewed this list." With that, he took out a gold-embroidered silk gift list from his sleeve and handed it to Hong Ying.
Hong Ying was initially delighted upon hearing Butler Lin's words, but her expression darkened at the latter part. When she opened the betrothal gift list, her face turned red, then white, then red again—a truly spectacular display. After a moment, she closed the list, took a deep breath, and forced a smile, "His Highness truly dotes on the eldest young lady. This gift list is undeniably lavish. Seeing this, I am genuinely happy for her."
As she spoke, her grip tightened on the list, almost tearing it apart. In truth, Hong Ying had come from a brothel—a place where fortunes were squandered. She had seen all kinds of spendthrifts who would throw away thousands for a beauty's smile, so she was not as shallow as Second Madam when it came to material wealth. Yet, upon seeing the betrothal gift list from the Brocade Hero King Manor, she couldn't help but gasp in shock.
Rare treasures, exotic animals, estates, shops, gold, and banknotes—endless riches, an inexhaustible trove of jewels. This mere betrothal gift list offered a glimpse into the Brocade Hero King Manor's staggering wealth. Even Hong Ying, who had seen much of the world, was dazzled by such opulence, and she couldn't suppress a surge of envy and resentment toward Jiang Ruan.
More importantly, this tantalizing fortune had slipped through her fingers before she could even touch it. Butler Lin had made it clear—the gifts were to be handed directly to Jiang Ruan, and Empress Dowager Yide was aware of this. That meant she had no chance to meddle. Originally, she had hoped to skim some benefits from Jiang Ruan's betrothal gifts, but now she could only watch helplessly as this wealth slipped away. Just this betrothal list alone was worth several ministerial mansions—how could she bear it?
The more resentful she grew, the more determined she became to secure Jiang Susu's place in the Brocade Hero King Manor. Jiang Ruan was difficult to control, but Jiang Susu knew who truly held power in the Jiang household. If she could manipulate Jiang Susu, once Jiang Susu entered the manor, wouldn't this wealth flow endlessly into the ministerial mansion? Then, wouldn't their days grow ever more prosperous?
With her mind made up, Hong Ying's smile grew warmer. Butler Lin, however, frowned at the crumpled gift list in her hands and said, "Madam, please be careful. This is the only copy apart from the one Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has. Damaging it would be troublesome."
"It was my carelessness," Hong Ying apologized awkwardly. Butler Lin then added, "Where is the princess consort? She should come out to meet His Highness."Hong Ying smiled faintly. "The young lady will certainly come out, but young maidens are always shy. She is likely dressing up at the moment. I have already sent someone to inform her, and she will join us shortly in the tea pavilion in the garden. Lin Lang, please escort His Highness there first. Young people always have things to talk about, and since the Empress Dowager has just bestowed the marriage, it would be good for them to become familiar with each other sooner." Her words were shrewd and magnanimous, quite unlike those of the rigid aristocratic families. Yet Xiao Shao remained expressionless, his gaze still indifferent as he looked at her.
Faced with someone so inscrutable, even the most silver-tongued would feel somewhat powerless. Today, however, Butler Lin seemed determined to speak on Xiao Shao's behalf. He immediately beamed and said, "That would be splendid. Please lead the way quickly." At present, the Brocade Hero King Manor regarded Xiao Shao's marriage as the top priority. Since their prince lacked sufficient skill in pursuing a wife, it naturally fell to the servants to lend a hand. Butler Lin was eager to create every possible opportunity for Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan to be alone together. Hong Ying's tactfulness pleased him greatly.
"Butler Lin has misunderstood," Hong Ying covered her lips with a smile. "This humble one still has some marital matters to discuss with Butler Lin. Seeing that His Highness has entrusted the wedding arrangements to Butler Lin, I'd like to have a thorough discussion. If Butler Lin doesn't mind, please stay here and talk with me." She turned to Xiao Shao with a beaming smile, "As for the young lady and His Highness, it would be more convenient for them to speak privately."
Were it not for knowing everyone in the Jiang residence was shrewd, Butler Lin might have praised what a cultured and reasonable beauty she was. Having the two of them alone together was most ideal. When Butler Lin was young, following the old Jinying Wang, he had learned to disregard external matters, paying no heed to worldly etiquette. Thus, things like the strict separation of genders in noble families were mere trifles in his eyes. Moreover, now that Empress Dowager Yide's Imperial Decree had been issued, Jiang Ruan was already the Princess Consort. What need was there for the Princess Consort and the Prince to avoid suspicion when speaking? When men and women stayed together, they should be alone—the more time spent alone, the more sparks might fly, perhaps even leading to pregnancy.
"That sounds excellent. What does Your Highness think—" Butler Lin looked inquiringly at Xiao Shao, his eyes full of expectation.
Xiao Shao, as expected, did not disappoint Butler Lin and nodded calmly. "Very well."
Hong Ying's smile grew even more genuine. "Lin Lang, quickly escort His Highness."
Lin Lang obediently stepped forward and curtsied to Xiao Shao. "Your Highness, please follow this servant."
...
Xiao Shao followed Lin Lang through the courtyards and flower terraces of the Jiang residence, past long corridors, until they arrived at a tea pavilion nestled within a garden. The pavilion was hidden among dense trees, its surroundings tranquil and serene. It was an excellent place to rest, sip tea, and take a short break—undoubtedly one of the most exquisitely constructed spots in the Jiang residence. Spacious in size, from a distance, one might mistake it for the courtyard of some noble daughter's residence.
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel