Lin Lang remained silent throughout the journey, focusing solely on leading the way, thus oblivious to Xiao Shao's gaze. His expression was calm, yet he had already discreetly surveyed the surroundings. This wasn't Xiao Shao's first time entering the Jiang residence. During previous visits, he had already uncovered most of its secrets. Moreover, with Jin Er and Jin San keeping watch and the submitted map of the Jiang residence in his possession, he naturally recognized this tea hall.
This tea hall was not typically used to receive guests. On the contrary, despite its serene environment, it was rarely frequented for tea after Xia Yan's departure, as it was too far from the courtyards of the female family members.
Yet, Hong Ying had arranged for him to meet Jiang Ruan here.
Upon reaching the door, Lin Lang smiled and said, "This is the tea hall. This servant will go prepare some tea and snacks. Please rest inside for a while, Your Highness. The young lady will arrive shortly."
Xiao Shao remained silent, and Lin Lang bowed before retreating. Before leaving, she cast another glance at the carved door, then lifted her skirt and departed. After Lin Lang left, Xiao Shao pondered for a moment before pushing the door open.
As soon as the door opened, a faint, sweet fragrance filled the room. The scent was delicate, not overpowering, and at first whiff, it resembled the natural aroma of a young maiden—light and airy, yet with a subtle sweetness that inexplicably stirred a vague warmth in one's heart.
Unlike incense, it seemed more like a natural body fragrance. Xiao Shao's eyes flickered as he took a seat at the table. On the table lay an exquisite celadon wine jug with two or three jade cups beside it. A plate of translucent purple grapes, plump and round like crystal beads, was placed in the center.
With such meticulous preparations, what need was there for Lin Lang's so-called "preparing tea and snacks"?
Furthermore, the room was divided by an enormous emerald screen, its jade-green surface exquisitely carved with the "Four Beauties" motif—depicting women dancing, painting, or composing poetry, each rendered vividly. From behind the screen came the faint sound of rippling water.
The sound was so subtle that only someone with martial arts training and internal energy like Xiao Shao could detect it. Now, as if something had stirred the water, a soft splash followed by a delicate, alluring ripple teased the imagination.
Unfazed, Xiao Shao lowered his gaze to a pure white jade whistle between his fingers, lost in thought. He remained motionless as time passed quietly in the room, with no sign of Jiang Ruan's arrival. Just then, the sound of water behind the screen grew slightly louder, accompanied by a rustling noise. Xiao Shao's eyes flickered again, and soon, a slender figure emerged from behind the screen.
She was an extraordinarily beautiful woman.
Dressed in a simple, plain white gown with minimal adornments, her only accessory was a wide emerald-green sash cinched around her waist, accentuating her slender figure. Her movements were as graceful as a willow swaying in the breeze, exuding an enchanting allure that was impossible to ignore. Still glistening with droplets from her bath, the crystalline beads trailed down her delicate chin and rolled into the neckline of her robe, vanishing beneath the fabric—only fueling the restless longing in one's heart.Looking up further, there was no mistaking that ethereally beautiful face. Delicate features, eyes brimming with charm—like an innocent fairy from the celestial pools of heaven, born untouched by worldly concerns. Yet this angelic face was paired with the seductive mannerisms of a courtesan, creating a fatal temptation for any man.
It was Jiang Susu.
Upon seeing Xiao Shao, Jiang Susu was first startled, a flicker of panic crossing her face before she forced herself to appear composed. "Prince Xiao," she greeted.
Xiao Shao merely glanced at her before lowering his gaze, neither looking at her nor speaking. Jiang Susu stiffened. Since mastering the "Thousand Faces Bewitchment," men's eyes had never failed to linger on her, and she had never been so thoroughly ignored. A surge of resentment rose within her. With a faint smile, she twirled and seated herself on the chair beside Xiao Shao. With every movement, a familiar sweet fragrance wafted from her, perfectly matching the scent in the room—proof that it indeed came from her.
Jiang Susu tilted her head to observe the man beside her. Dressed in fine robes, the subtle elegance of his sleeves only accentuated his unapproachable nobility. His sharp profile was devoid of any femininity, his thin lips and star-like eyes exuding an aloof grace and dignity. This was an outstandingly handsome young man—even without the prestige of the Brocade Hero King Manor, his looks and bearing alone were enough to captivate any woman.
Like now, for instance, Jiang Susu couldn't help but envy Jiang Ruan for her luck in marrying such a man.
"I was just bathing when someone suddenly entered. To my surprise, it was Prince Xiao," Jiang Susu said, her voice laced with a teasing allure that tickled the senses. "Since we're here, why not share a drink?"
A man and woman alone in a tea room, slightly intoxicated, one freshly bathed and clad in loose robes. Add to that the fact that this woman was a peerless beauty, actively making advances. Any man in the world would find it hard to remain unmoved by such a scene.
Xiao Shao remained silent, the coldness in his expression unwavering. Seeing this, Jiang Susu rose and approached him, pouring a cup of wine herself and offering it to Xiao Shao. She crouched seductively, almost kneeling at his feet, her watery eyes brimming with an indescribable allure. Like the faint sweetness of her fragrance, she resembled a delicate white flower trembling on the edge of a deep valley—tempting one to pluck it, to tear it apart, to witness its ruin under torment.
When Xiao Shao still didn't react, Jiang Susu leaned closer, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered softly, "Your Highness—" her breath as fragrant as orchids.
Xiao Shao's expression darkened. Before Jiang Susu could make another move, the hem of his robe shifted imperceptibly—his wristguard-clad hand moving faster than the eye could follow. The white jade cup on the table fell with a sharp clink, striking Jiang Susu squarely in the abdomen. Though small, the cup hit like a vicious hidden weapon. With a thud, Jiang Susu was sent flying backward, crashing into the jade screen behind her before collapsing to the ground like a broken kite, blood spilling from her lips.
"Reckless fool!" Xiao Shao's voice, laced with fury, cut through the air.The sudden commotion in the room left Jiang Susu utterly stunned. She struggled to her feet—Xiao Shao had only used about thirty percent of his strength in that strike, yet it had nearly overwhelmed her. What shocked her even more was Xiao Shao's complete indifference toward her thus far.
No man in this world could resist her charm. The bewitchment she practiced could even sway the most ascetic Holy Monk, let alone a young man like Xiao Shao. By nature, young men would inevitably be moved at the sight of her. Especially today, when she had deliberately groomed herself to appear before Xiao Shao in a manner most irresistible to men.
She had thought everything was flawless, except she had miscalculated Xiao Shao's reaction. She knew Xiao Shao was rumored to be indifferent to women, but those were just rumors. If he truly disliked women, why would he seek the Emperor's permission to marry Jiang Ruan? Though Jiang Ruan had a fair appearance, how could she compare to Jiang Susu in allure and temptation? Yet, not only had Xiao Shao remained unmoved, he had even struck her so harshly!
"Prince Xiao," Jiang Susu spat out a mouthful of blood, the crimson stain on her cherry-red lips accentuating her strangely seductive aura. She said, "For Prince Xiao to be so ungentlemanly truly breaks Su Su's heart."
Xiao Shao regarded her coldly.
"Since Prince Xiao has seen my body today, do you think you can leave through that door so easily?" Jiang Susu curled her lips into a smug smile. "Brother-in-law, now that you've seen me, I am yours. I had intended to be gentle with you today, but since you're so unfeeling, I'll have no choice but to cry out when we leave, tarnishing your reputation just a little."
"What nonsense." Before she could finish, a man's voice rang out in the room. A guard-like figure leaped down from the rafters and, without hesitation, retorted, "If seeing your body makes me your man, then I've seen it too—does that mean you're mine? There are shadow guards all around here, and I reckon they've all seen you. Who exactly are you going to belong to?" He scratched his head in mock distress. "Though, my brothers all prefer modest women. Someone as bold and unrestrained as you, miss, is truly more than we can handle."
This was none other than Jin Er. He had followed Xiao Shao into the room earlier, lying in wait to see what the Jiang family was up to. Witnessing Jiang Susu openly seduce Xiao Shao filled him with disdain. If she were a courtesan, it might be understandable, but Jiang Susu was the legitimate daughter of a minister's household—once hailed as the most virtuous and talented beauty in the capital. Yet, she couldn't even compare to an ordinary girl. Even common girls knew propriety and shame, but Jiang Susu had thrown all dignity to the wind.
That said, Jin Er didn't dare look at Jiang Susu's body again. She was undeniably beautiful, and her bewitchment skills could indeed ensnare any man's gaze. Her eyes, in particular, had a way of captivating one's mind, making it easy to fall unwittingly into her honey trap.
What Jiang Susu didn't know was that Xiao Shao had taken command of the Brocade-clad Guards from a young age, surviving countless life-and-death trials. His self-control far surpassed that of ordinary men. Over the years, he had faced many temptations, including stunning enchantresses far more skilled than Jiang Susu. Her meager abilities were nothing in his eyes—let alone enough to move his heart.Jiang Susu nearly spat out another mouthful of blood. She hadn’t expected there to be another person hidden in this room, and from the tone of their voice, it seemed there were even more. The thought of being seen by a group of guards for no reason today filled her with unbearable frustration. Now that things had come to this, she had no choice but to fight back. If a man and a woman were alone in a room, the woman’s reputation might suffer, but the man could easily be held accountable. Jiang Susu opened her mouth to scream, hoping to call in the people she had prepared outside. But the moment she did, Jin Er, standing beside her, swiftly sealed her mute acupoint, rendering her completely silent.
"Master, what should we do with this woman?" Jin Er asked.
Xiao Shao replied coldly, "Kill her."
Jiang Susu’s face instantly paled. Xiao Shao was so ruthless, treating human life as casually as chopping vegetables. Yet, she couldn’t move a single limb, and genuine fear flashed through her eyes.
Jin Er shrugged and was about to grab Jiang Susu when the door was pushed open. Jiang Ruan stepped inside and immediately spotted Jiang Susu. After a brief pause, she asked, "What’s going on?"
Xiao Shao pondered for a moment before answering, "She tried to seduce me, so I injured her."
Jiang Susu’s expression twisted into something indescribable. Only now did she realize this man had never harbored even the slightest affection for her. Had she heard Xiao Shao’s words years ago, she might have been so ashamed and furious that she’d have thrown herself into a well. Though she no longer had the same fiery temper, she still felt deeply insulted. It was as if she had exhausted every trick in the book to impress someone, only for them to dismiss it all as a joke.
After hearing Xiao Shao’s explanation, Jiang Ruan finally turned her gaze to Jiang Susu. Her expression was calm, without a trace of displeasure. Jiang Susu’s heart tightened. Back when Zhao Mei was still alive, she had never paid Jiang Ruan any mind. She knew Jiang Quan was the one who truly ruled the Jiang household, and he disliked Zhao Mei, treating Jiang Ruan and her siblings even worse than Jiang Li. Jiang Ruan had been nothing but a cowardly, foolish simpleton. But at some point—no, it must have been when Jiang Ruan returned to the mansion years ago—Jiang Susu had begun to find her incomprehensible.
It seemed that from then on, Jiang Ruan no longer wore her emotions on her sleeve. She smiled when happy, smiled when angry, smiled when falsely accused, and even smiled when thrown into prison. Just like now, she looked at Jiang Susu with a faint smile. Though her demeanor seemed utterly composed, a trace of mockery and lofty disdain flickered in the corners of her bewitching eyes.
That faint trace of disdain instantly stung Jiang Susu’s pride. She wanted to scream and curse, but no sound escaped her lips.
Jiang Ruan withdrew her gaze and said to Xiao Shao, "Auntie asked me to check on you, but it seems I’ve walked into a performance instead. What, weren’t you tempted? This play must be hard to continue."
Xiao Shao was momentarily stunned, but being sharp-witted, he quickly grasped the crux of the matter. So this was Hong Ying’s scheme. Had it been any other man today, they would have already fallen under Jiang Susu’s Bewitchment and committed that absurd act—just in time for Jiang Ruan to walk in and witness it all.For an unmarried young woman to witness her own sister with her future husband in such a manner was naturally unbearable. The Empress Dowager's Imperial Decree could not be altered, and if the woman had a fiercer temperament, she might even take her own life. At that point, any excuse could be used to cover it up, and the matter of the younger sister replacing her in marriage would proceed smoothly—what a perfect outcome that would be.
If the woman had a gentler disposition and endured it, she would still be the legitimate daughter of the household and could not let her reputation be tarnished without compensation. It would be improper for a legitimate daughter to become a concubine, but becoming a secondary consort wouldn’t be difficult, and it could even be spun into a heartwarming tale of sisters sharing a husband.
Yet, regardless of the outcome, it would be a devastating blow to the young lady in question. Whether she lived or died, the incident would haunt her for the rest of her life, leaving her joyless. Even if she were forced into marriage, the resentment in her heart would remain, making it impossible to live in harmony with her husband. Losing his favor would only be a matter of time.
On the surface, today’s events seemed simple, but in reality, they were intricately linked, revealing a malice so shocking it left one speechless. Hong Ying and Jiang Susu had indeed put considerable thought into this scheme. They had accounted for the flaws of men but failed to anticipate Xiao Shao’s innate coldness and cruelty—nor had they expected Jiang Ruan to react with such calm indifference, not even entertaining a hint of misunderstanding.
(End of Chapter)
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