Dong Yinger's body stiffened slightly as she lowered her head, her throat tightening involuntarily. Jiang Dan's words seemed unmistakably directed at her. Back when Jiang Xin Zhi had gone missing, hadn't her own parents, seeing the unfavorable situation, forced her into the palace by using her as leverage? At that time, with no way out and Jiang Xin Zhi's fate hanging in the balance, she had resigned herself to entering the palace in despair. Who could have predicted today's turn of events? When news broke of Jiang Xin Zhi's rescue, her heart had swelled with both joy and sorrow—joy that he had survived, sorrow that she was now another man's wife, forever out of reach. Now Jiang Xin Zhi had become the young and illustrious General of Luxi, while she remained a palace consort scrambling for survival. Hearing these words from Jiang Dan's lips felt like cruel mockery.
Wang Lian'er, noticing this, smiled faintly and said, "Isn't that so? General Jiang is truly a remarkable young man, with outstanding achievements and striking looks. I wonder which noble family's daughter will be fortunate enough to win his favor."
"Why wait for the future?" Jiang Dan replied, her smile widening. "Isn't there already a hint of something now?"
Dong Yinger froze, while Wang Lian'er blinked in surprise. "What do you mean, sister?"
"Does Dong Xiuyi remember the young lady from the Zhao family who was once very close to Da Jiejie?" Jiang Dan said with a laugh. "The three of you were inseparable back then. I've heard that General Jiang's beloved is none other than that very Zhao family lady. He's already sent someone to the Zhao residence to inquire. Truly, it would be a most fitting match. I imagine Da Jiejie would be overjoyed."
Dong Yinger's face turned deathly pale. Were it not for the fact that they were in the Imperial Garden, she might have collapsed on the spot. Zhao Jin? It was Zhao Jin? Having been in the palace for so long, she had long since realized Jiang Dan was no friend. She wanted to dismiss this as Jiang Dan's malicious gossip, but anything involving Jiang Xin Zhi sent her heart into turmoil. Zhao Jin was Jiang Xin Zhi's beloved? When had they become involved? When had Zhao Jin caught his eye?
A chilling numbness spread through Dong Yinger's chest. Back then, she had never hidden her admiration for Jiang Xin Zhi from Zhao Jin. Yet Zhao Jin, knowing her feelings, had still pursued him. And Jiang Ruan—how cruel she had been, helping Zhao Jin and Jiang Xin Zhi while treating her so differently. Weren't they all supposed to be friends?
A deep sense of injustice and rage surged within her, mingled with the heartache of betrayal. It felt as though everyone was laughing at her, as if she had lost control of herself entirely. She could no longer hear what Jiang Dan was saying.
"The Zhao family's young lady and my elder brother would indeed make a perfect pair," Jiang Dan continued cheerfully. "He's a general, and she comes from a military family—what could be more suitable? No wonder Da Jiejie is helping them along."
Unbeknownst to Jiang Dan, someone had approached from behind. Just as she finished speaking, a clear, resonant voice rang out: "This prince had thought only ignorant village women indulged in idle gossip. Who knew the ladies of the inner palace were no different—quite an eye-opener. Fortunately, neither the Zhao family's young lady nor General Jiang are present today. Otherwise, hearing their reputations slandered so baselessly, they would hardly let it slide. Wouldn't you agree, Grand Tutor Liu?"Everyone was startled when Jiang Dan stood up to find a young man and a handsome youth standing behind her. The youthful boy had a face as fair as jade, his tone teasing with a hint of laughter, yet his eyes carried a hidden coldness—none other than Ye Pei.
"Thirteenth Prince." Wang Lian'er and the others hurriedly rose to bow. Even a third-rank palace consort had to lower their head before a prince, let alone the Thirteenth Prince, who was currently favored by the Emperor. Even the Crown Prince's tutor, Liu Min, had been assigned to him. The young man beside him was delicate-featured with an air of aloofness, his eyes briefly flashing with anger before he calmly replied, "His Highness speaks the truth."
This was an endorsement.
Jiang Dan gritted her teeth in secret, not expecting Ye Pei to appear out of nowhere. She felt humiliated in front of everyone because of him and couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation. Forcing a smile, she said, "Thirteenth Prince, these are mere women's gossip from the inner palace. For a prince to involve himself would only invite ridicule."
For some reason, she intensely disliked Ye Pei. She could handle other princes with ease and didn't hesitate to flatter them, but with the Thirteenth Prince, even maintaining a pleasant expression was a struggle. Perhaps it was her imagination, but she always saw traces of Jiang Ruan in Ye Pei—especially those calm, unreadable eyes that chilled her to the bone when they looked at her.
Wang Lian'er inwardly cursed Jiang Dan for being a fool. Everyone knew the Emperor favored Ye Pei, yet Jiang Dan dared to speak so disrespectfully. Did she not consider how the Emperor would react if these words reached his ears? The Emperor might reprimand Ye Pei himself, but he would never allow a mere consort to lecture a prince.
"How can this be dismissed as mere inner palace affairs?" Ye Pei smiled faintly. "General Jiang is a meritorious subject of the Da Jin Dynasty. As a consort residing deep in the palace, you seem remarkably well-informed about his private matters. It appears you take great interest in him. If even a consort can show such concern for General Jiang, then as a prince of Da Jin and the Emperor's son, it is only natural for me to care as well."
Jiang Dan was left speechless, silently cursing Ye Pei's cunning. His words were cutting—how could a consort openly pry into the affairs of a young general? Struggling, she retorted, "After all, he is my elder brother..."
"Consort Jiang, you are truly peculiar," interjected Mu Xirou, who had been watching coldly. Beautiful yet haughty, she spoke with icy detachment, "I've heard of General Jiang entering the palace to receive rewards, but never to visit you. No one from the Jiang family has come to see you either. I wonder where you obtained such information. Neither Her Majesty the Empress Dowager nor His Majesty has commented on this matter. It seems Consort Jiang's influence surpasses even the Emperor's."
No one expected the usually aloof Mu Xirou to speak so sharply, leaving Jiang Dan nearly speechless. The palace was filled with the Emperor's eyes and ears—today's conversation would undoubtedly reach him. No one could guess the Emperor's thoughts, but Jiang Dan grew anxious. "I never said such things! Mu Xirou, why are you slandering me?"
Mu Xirou sneered and fell silent.On the side, Ye Pei chuckled, while Liu Min, standing beside him, also curled her lips slightly, a glimmer of amusement flashing in her eyes. Jiang Dan had inadvertently offended Ye Pei, isolating herself in the process. No one would dare cross a prince favored by the Emperor, and with no one speaking up for her, Jiang Dan found herself in an awkward and humiliating position.
Ye Pei smoothed his sleeves. The handsome young man, dressed in exquisite finery, wore a gentle smile on his lips, yet his tone was unmistakably cold: "Consort Jiang, illness enters through the mouth, and disaster comes from careless words. You’d do well to remember that."
For a moment, Jiang Dan felt a chill run down her spine.
Time flew by, and soon the day arrived when Guan Lianghan returned triumphantly with his troops. The defeated Celestial Jin Kingdom sent envoys bearing a letter of surrender, greatly pleasing the Emperor, who once again rewarded Guan Lianghan. However, the focus of public attention had shifted—now it was Jiang Ruan’s marriage that captivated everyone. Five days after Guan Lianghan’s return, the wedding day of Jinying Wang and the Princess of Great Peace arrived. Since the Princess was now considered half a member of the imperial family, the dowager empress personally oversaw the wedding arrangements, while her nominal maternal home, the Minister’s Residence, remained conspicuously uninvolved.
The traditional rites—betrothal gifts, name inquiries, divination, and setting the wedding date—had all been completed. On this day, light snowflakes drifted down over Jiangdong. Jiang Ruan sat in the inner chamber as Yao Shi, the second wife of the Zhao family, watched the bridal attendant use colorful cotton threads to perform the facial threading ceremony. Yao Shi had always been grateful to Jiang Ruan for saving Zhao Feizhou. The women of the General’s Residence were known for their gentle and kind natures, and ever since learning Jiang Ruan was Zhao Mei’s daughter, they had continuously sent gifts over the years. Now, as Jiang Ruan prepared to marry, her maternal home, the Minister’s Residence, was cold and indifferent—Jiang Quan paid no attention at all, while Xia Yue, being from the Xia family, only went through the motions without genuine warmth. In contrast, the Zhao family sent a lavish dowry of twenty chests, along with thousands of taels in silver notes, deeds, and shops—all gifts originally intended for Zhao Mei’s marriage to the Minister’s Residence but now bestowed upon Jiang Ruan.
There was no way to refuse such generosity—the Zhao family’s sincerity was undeniable. As Yao Shi shared advice on marital harmony, Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but feel slightly embarrassed. Seizing a moment when Yao Shi stepped out, Lin Zixiang nibbled on the red-labeled fruits on the table and remarked, "I doubt you listened to a single word your aunt just said. Honestly, I’m curious—how will you and Xiao Shao interact once you’re married? Hah, I can’t even imagine it."
Wen Feifei, resting her forehead in her hand, interjected, "What nonsense are you spouting? You’ve never been married—you’ll understand when it’s your turn. Meimei Ruan, you’re gentle and beautiful, and with no mother-in-law or sisters-in-law in Brocade Hero King Manor, your life will only get better." Wen Feifei, who had nearly fainted outside the Jiang residence some time ago, later discovered she was pregnant. Though her life in her husband’s household had been less than smooth, her pregnancy elevated her status considerably. Now well-versed in the intricacies of household politics, she was genuinely happy for Jiang Ruan, who wouldn’t have to deal with the challenges of serving a mother-in-law or sisters-in-law."What does beauty have to do with this?" Lin Zixiang immediately retorted. "Can't one get married if they're not beautiful? What kind of nonsense is that? Only caring about outward appearances is the mark of shallow-minded people!" Lin Zixiang had always been this blunt and straightforward. Wen Feifei couldn't argue with her and could only shake her head helplessly.
Zhao Jin smiled and tried to mediate. "Why talk about such things? Today is Ruan Meimei's happy occasion. I should present my wedding gift first. Ruan Meimei has seen many fine things, so I hope she won't find mine too shabby." As she spoke, she took out a small box from her sleeve. The box looked dull and unremarkable, even somewhat crude. Just as Jiang Ruan took it, Zhao Jin suddenly spat out a mouthful of tea and exclaimed, "What on earth is this? A rock? At least find a prettier box!"
"What do you mean, a rock?" Zhao Jin protested urgently. "This is black flint my eldest brother brought back from the Western Rong tribes. It may look plain, but nothing compares to its durability. You could throw it into a fire for three days and nights, and it wouldn't suffer the slightest damage. It's a priceless treasure!" Giving such a stone as a wedding gift was truly in line with Zhao Jin's personality. Still, Jiang Ruan couldn't help but feel exasperated—what use was such a box? It wasn't as if she could store jewelry in it.
"Open it and see. What's inside was specially crafted by Baoyue Tower," Zhao Jin said eagerly. Jiang Ruan complied and opened the box, only to find a ring—or at least something that could loosely be called a ring. More accurately, it was a black band with a lump of gold attached to it. Even someone as composed as Jiang Ruan couldn't help but choke at the sight of such a "bold" piece of jewelry.
Wen Feifei and Lin Zixiang coughed in unison. Zhao Jin's taste in jewelry was truly questionable. Normally, with her sisters keeping an eye on her choices, things were passable, but left entirely to her own preferences, the results were hard to stomach. For instance, the cluster of golden beads on that ring was enough to make everyone speechless. Even if Jiang Ruan wanted to appreciate the gesture, wearing such a piece would undoubtedly attract too much attention.
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Thank you."
"No need for thanks," Zhao Jin said cheerfully. "This ring is also made of black flint—extremely sturdy. If you ever find yourself in a tight spot, you could probably use it as a knife. But then I thought, since you're still a young lady, you shouldn't wear something so plain, so I had the craftsmen at Baoyue Tower add a little decoration. Isn't the golden flower lovely?"
It would have been better without it. Lin Zixiang had already turned her head away, unable to bear the sight. Jiang Ruan's smile stiffened slightly, but she still accepted it and said, "It's very beautiful." Zhao Jin chose jewelry the same way she chose weapons—anything hard, durable, and sharp was beautiful in her eyes.
Zhao Jin sighed in relief. "I'm glad you like it."
Lin Zixiang and Wen Feifei pulled Zhao Jin aside and presented their own gifts. Wen Feifei's was a set of South Sea pearl hair ornaments, each pearl large, round, and exquisitely beautiful. Lin Zixiang, however, offered a rare ancient book, declaring solemnly that it was a family heirloom, the only one of its kind in the world, and that she felt it was destined for Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan stared at the tattered, dog-eared pages and could only sigh in resignation.When Yao Shi returned, the bridal attendant finished threading the face and began applying Jiang Ruan's makeup, remarking as she worked, "The young lady is already so beautiful that heavy cosmetics aren't needed. In all my years dressing brides, I've never seen one as stunning as this."
Lianqiao and the others stood behind Jiang Ruan, laughing merrily. When the bridal attendant finished, they cheerfully called to Yao Shi, "It's done now, come see how beautiful the bride looks!"
Jiang Ruan stood up. She was already dressed in her crimson wedding gown today, but while seated, it hadn't been particularly noticeable. Now standing, she seemed to radiate brilliance, her dazzling beauty almost too bright for the eyes. Her features naturally leaned toward striking beauty, though her usual gentle, distant smile tempered the intensity, preventing it from appearing frivolous. Now, with the bridal attendant's touch—her brows delicately arched, lips tinted cherry red, skin glowing like snow, and eyes accentuated with upward strokes and sprinkled gold dust—her allure was breathtaking. The fiery wedding gown contrasted with her flower-sprite grace, every movement brimming with vivid charm. Even though only female relatives were present in the room, they couldn't help but stare in awe.
"Ruan Meimei, you're truly beautiful," Zhao Jin murmured, entranced. "Like you've stepped right out of a painting."
"I thought I looked quite beautiful on my wedding day, but seeing you today, I realize what it means to pale in comparison," Wen Feifei said. "I always knew Ruan Meimei was lovely, but I never imagined such devastating beauty."
Yao Shi was equally astonished. She had heard Zhao Yuanping speak of how the youngest Zhao sister, Zhao Mei, had been radiant and passionate in her youth, shining like a flame. Now, in this niece, she could glimpse that same brilliance. Jiang Ruan usually restrained her innate allure, but today, fully unleashed, it was nothing short of astonishing. Such beauty could truly be called nation-toppling.
Even Lin Zixiang, ever critical, fell silent for a long moment before remarking, "That wedding gown makes you look every bit the peerless beauty."
Amid the laughter and chatter, more female relatives from the Zhao family came in to offer their well-wishes. As dawn brightened further, the bridal procession arrived.
The bridal attendant hurriedly said, "Young lady, please rise," and placed the delicate phoenix crown on her head before covering it with the bridal veil. Yao Shi stepped forward to escort her out.
The bridal procession from Brocade Hero King Manor had arrived at the Jiang residence. Since the Jiang family was the bride's natal home, the bridal sedan was to be carried to their doorstep. Empress Dowager Yide did not attend in person but sent Yang Gugu with celebratory gifts, lending grandeur to the occasion. The moment Jiang Ruan stepped outside, the onlookers were dazzled by the opulent wedding gown. Even married women and young maidens present gasped—just as Luzhu had said, it was as if she wore the entire Ministry of Revenue on her person. Even a princess's wedding attire might not have been this extravagant.
As the bridal sedan reached the gate, Jiang Ruan and her entourage had just stepped out when the sound of firecrackers erupted outside. The slightly ajar gate was opened for the "blocking the sedan" ritual. The Zhao family's eldest daughter-in-law, Zhou Shi, rose with a red candle in one hand and a mirror in the other, walking to the sedan to peer inside and drive away any lurking spirits—the "searching the sedan" custom.Outside, an eight-man palanquin awaited—a lavish sedan chair adorned with intricate embroidery of the "Hundred Sons and Thousand Grandsons" pattern, all meticulously outlined in fine gold thread. Though the sun wasn't particularly bright that day, the reflection off the deep snow made the sedan shimmer like delicate golden fans. Dangling from the top were dazzling amethyst crystals, each one priceless. The Brocade Hero King Manor's extravagance was truly unmatched; even this single palanquin could feed a third-rank official's entire household for a year.
The eight bearers, dressed in dark green robes and black boots, were tall, handsome, and exuded an air of grandeur. It was rare for sedan chair carriers to draw the attention of female onlookers, yet some young maidens in the crowd blushed as they gazed at them.
Jiang Quan stood to the side, a smile on his face amidst the lively scene, seemingly overjoyed. But upon closer inspection, one could see the strain in his expression.
Next came the "Crying onto the Sedan" ritual. Traditionally, the bride would sit on her mother's lap, and her mother would feed her a farewell meal before she boarded the sedan. However, Zhao Mei had passed away many years ago, and having Xia Yue perform this duty would have been a cruel irony in the eyes of the crowd. Naturally, Xiao Shao wouldn’t allow such a thing and had already arranged with the General's Residence for Su Shi, Jiang Ruan's maternal grandmother, to personally feed her the meal.
Su Shi was Jiang Ruan's grandmother. As Jiang Ruan sat on her lap and Su Shi lifted a spoonful of rice to her lips, her eyes instantly reddened. Back then, Zhao Mei and Jiang Quan had eloped to marry, and her only daughter had left without this ceremonial meal—a lifelong regret and sorrow for Su Shi. Now, watching her granddaughter board the bridal sedan, it was as if she saw her bright and spirited daughter once more. Overcome with emotion, Su Shi's words of advice were heartfelt, her arms tightening around Jiang Ruan as tears welled in her eyes.
After "Crying onto the Sedan" came "Carrying onto the Sedan," where the bride's elder brother would carry her into the palanquin. Jiang Xin Zhi, dressed in a lotus-blue ceremonial robe with a colorful tassel at his waist—one Jiang Ruan had woven for him in her idle moments—approached Jiang Ruan. Bending down, he lifted her into his arms and whispered into her ear, "A Ruan, are you ready?"
"I'm ready, Eldest Brother," Jiang Ruan replied softly from beneath her red veil, smiling. She felt Jiang Xin Zhi's arms tighten around her, as if some powerful emotion threatened to burst forth, but in the end, he only said, "A Ruan, from now on, you belong to another family. If he ever mistreats you, tell me. Never let yourself suffer any injustice."
His words were heavy with restraint, sounding less like a brother sending off his sister and more like a father giving away his daughter. Jiang Ruan almost laughed but instead wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, remembering the grief and despair she had felt in her past life upon hearing of Jiang Xin Zhi's tragic fate. In this life, she had managed to keep him safe—he was still by her side, and that was enough. "I know, Eldest Brother," she said warmly. "No matter whom I marry, you will always be my brother."
Jiang Xin Zhi said nothing more as he carried Jiang Ruan toward the palanquin. The young woman in his arms was someone he had watched grow up—from a babbling infant to the graceful maiden she was now. Even as she was about to become a wife, in his heart, Jiang Ruan would always remain his little sister who never quite grew up.
Once Jiang Ruan was seated inside the palanquin, the leader of the wedding procession finally made his appearance before the crowd.Xiao Shao sat astride a white horse, holding the reins, dressed in brand-new wedding attire, looking exceptionally dashing. He instantly captured everyone's attention.
Xiao Shao was a man of low profile, seldom seen in public, and usually preferred dark-colored clothing. Never had he been seen in such vibrant hues. Now, clad in bright red wedding robes, even with his calm expression, he exuded an air of refined charm. His striking features, as he sat high on the horse, gazing down at the bridal sedan with eyes like painted scenes, gave him an otherworldly grace. His beauty was so extraordinary that it left onlookers utterly spellbound.
Su Shi observed his demeanor and, though her eyes brimmed with tears, she was genuinely pleased. She had long heard that Jinying Wang was aloof by nature and had initially worried Jiang Ruan might suffer after marriage. But now it seemed she had overthought the matter. The way Xiao Shao gazed at the bridal sedan was not entirely devoid of emotion—as someone who had experienced life, she could discern such things clearly. With Xiao Shao's striking appearance and prestigious family background, Su Shi found herself thoroughly satisfied with this grandson-in-law.
Amid the crowd distributing wedding candies, Jin Er shook his head and remarked, "All four Brocade-clad Guard captains reduced to sedan bearers—our master truly prioritizes beauty above all else."
Butler Lin, overhearing this, promptly kicked him without hesitation. "What nonsense! These bearers represent the dignity of Brocade Hero King Manor. We can't just hire anyone like other households. Look at the men we chose—their steps are perfectly synchronized, clearly trained professionals. The princess will ride in comfort. And their faces are handsome too, pleasing to the eye. Your words just reek of envy because you weren't picked to carry the sedan."
"Thanks for that, Old Lin," Jin Er chuckled. "It's all my fault for being too ugly to uphold the manor's dignity. Truly shameful."
"Oh? Finally some self-awareness," Luzhu quipped, busy handing out silver ingots. "How rare to see you acknowledge your flaws."
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel