Mr. Yaqi's words ultimately dissuaded the fellow disciples from secretly dealing with Ye Li. However, they could no longer continue living with Ye Li on Mount Canaan. Having harmed someone they regarded as their own daughter, even a saint like Mr. Yaqi couldn't remain indifferent. After this incident, Ye Li was expelled from the sect, and it was declared that he no longer had any connection to Mount Canaan.
From then on, whenever the disciples encountered Ye Li, they treated him as a stranger. Bai Jiu's matter became a taboo on Mount Canaan, and no one ever mentioned her again.
"He actually used the same trick again..." Jiang Ruan murmured, suddenly realizing Xiao Shao was looking at her. Noticing the implication in her words, she quickly added, "I mean, he already had such cunning and methods so long ago."
Xiao Shao's recounted past was indeed convoluted and heavy, and the story of Bai Zhu was almost identical to Jiang Ruan's previous life. Both had fallen for a seemingly noble gentleman, only to discover a wolf in sheep's clothing, ultimately losing their lives in vain. A sense of sorrow washed over her—whether in her past life or this one, Ye Li's methods were never exclusive to her. He exploited others' sincerity for his own ends, and she and Bai Zhu were merely foolish enough to fall for it.
"He is an enemy of Mount Canaan. One day, this debt will be repaid," Xiao Shao said indifferently.
Jiang Ruan looked at him, her beautiful, alluring eyes faintly curving with a hint of mischief. Xiao Shao grew slightly uneasy under her gaze and asked, "What is it?"
"Ninth Junior Sister is clever, innocent, and beloved by all her fellow disciples," Jiang Ruan said slowly. "Yet recently, she still chose Ye Li. Could it be you couldn't compare to him?"
Xiao Shao paused, seemingly caught off guard by her words. After a moment, he replied, "She is just a younger sister to me."
Jiang Ruan shook her head. "You say Ninth Junior Sister is one in a hundred, but I think she has one flaw—poor judgment." She gazed at Xiao Shao, suddenly reaching out to trace his face with her fingers, her lips curving into a smile. "If I were her, I would never choose Ye Li. What's so great about him? He’s just a little better at putting on airs. In my opinion..." She beamed like a flower in bloom. "The one before me is far more handsome, more elegant, smarter, more skilled in martial arts, and wealthier beyond measure. Though his status may not compare—not some royal noble—it suits me just fine."
Her usual smiles, though dazzling, had always carried a hint of distance. But since waking from her illness, it was as if she had changed, often laughing genuinely and freely in Xiao Shao's presence. Her radiant smile rivaled spring blossoms and autumn moons, and the allure in her eyes was almost blinding. Stirred by her flirtatious gesture, Xiao Shao wrapped an arm around her waist, his lips quirking with amusement. "Suits you just fine?"
Jiang Ruan froze, her hand instinctively loosening. Xiao Shao raised an eyebrow, somewhat pleased. "My honor," he said before leaning down to lightly brush his lips against hers.
Jiang Ruan: "...You scoundrel!"
...The days on Mount Canaan passed by with ease and joy, as if all worldly troubles could be temporarily forgotten. Each day was leisurely and carefree. This was the place where Xiao Shao had grown up, and he took Jiang Ruan through the valleys where he used to rest, as if she could grow up alongside him in this way. However, good times always flew by quickly. Once Jiang Ruan had fully recovered from her injuries, it was time to descend the mountain and return to the capital.
Given the special circumstances, Xia Qing and Qi Feng also accompanied them back to the capital. Mr. Yaqi, too, was about to enter seclusion again. Before leaving, Jiang Ruan sat in the carriage, leaning against Xiao Shao, and said, "If one day all matters are settled, I would love to come here and stay longer. It feels like my heart is much more at ease here."
"If you like it, we can come often in the future," Xiao Shao replied gently.
Jiang Ruan hesitated before speaking again. "Actually, Xiao Shao, there's something I've kept from you."
Xiao Shao lifted his gaze to look at her.
"This is my secret. I originally intended to take it to my grave, telling no one. But now I've changed my mind." Jiang Ruan lowered her head, perhaps avoiding his gaze, her voice carrying an indescribable emotion. "I want to break down the barrier between us. I plan to tell you. But not now. After we return to the capital and settle one matter, I will tell you everything. Once you know, no matter how you see me afterward, I will accept it."
Xiao Shao was silent for a long moment before suddenly reaching out to gently but firmly turn her face toward him, forcing her to meet his eyes. His deep, ink-black eyes were unfathomable, like a tranquil pool with faint ripples, mesmerizingly beautiful.
"A Ruan, I don’t mind. If you feel reluctant, you don’t have to tell me," he said with a faint smile. "No matter what happens, in my eyes, you will always be you. The so-called barrier you speak of has never existed in my heart."
The journey back was much more relaxed than the trip there. After Mr. Yaqi had detoxified Jiang Ruan, Xiao Shao sent a message back to the capital via carrier pigeon. Along the way, Jiang Ruan caught sight of the snow-white pigeon—jade-like, adorable, and quite lively. It was also very friendly toward her. It even had a name: Tiger Tyrant, reportedly given by Butler Lin. Indeed, in a place like Brocade Hero King Manor, where men far outnumbered women, finding an elegant name was impossible.
Upon returning to Brocade Hero King Manor, Butler Lin had been waiting for a long time. Overjoyed to see Jiang Ruan return unharmed, he was moved to tears and immediately declared he would open the ancestral hall to pay respects to the ancestors, thanking the Xiao family’s forebears for their protection.
Luzhu and the others had stayed behind at the manor because Xiao Shao had needed to travel quickly, and bringing them along would have delayed the journey. Over the days, they had visibly lost weight. As soon as Jiang Ruan stepped out of the carriage, the maids surrounded her, asking endless questions. Luzhu laughed and said, "Now that the young lady is finally well, surviving such a calamity surely means great fortune lies ahead. We must celebrate this safe return properly."
Zisu, however, looked worried. "I just hope no lasting harm remains after all these years. But now that the young lady is safe, this servant can finally rest easy."
"Why say such discouraging things?" Lianqiao shot Zisu a glare. "The young lady has returned safe and sound. What’s past is past. We’ll just have to be more careful from now on."Tianzhu lowered her head, her tone tinged with slight remorse. "This subordinate failed to protect the princess consort. Please punish me." The Brocade-clad Guards always took their duties very seriously. Now that she was Jiang Ruan's personal shadow guard, she had actually allowed Jiang Ruan to be poisoned right under her nose. No matter how one looked at it, it was her fault.
"What does this have to do with you? Some things are simply impossible to guard against," Jiang Ruan said gently. "It's just that the other party was too cunning. You couldn't have protected me from being poisoned over a decade ago, could you?"
Tianzhu looked at Jiang Ruan in surprise. Jiang Ruan was warm on the surface but cold within. Although she never made things difficult for her maids, her attitude couldn't be described as particularly close, especially toward a maid like Tianzhu who had joined her midway. She would never have taken the initiative to offer comfort before. Yet now, her words were clearly meant to absolve Tianzhu of blame. Looking at Jiang Ruan's expression, the usual sharpness in her brows and eyes seemed to have dissipated somewhat, replaced by a peculiar sense of relief and openness.
It was unclear what exactly Jiang Ruan had experienced with Xiao Shao on Mount Canaan this time to bring about such a change. Tianzhu silently speculated but still glanced at Xiao Shao. Understanding her thoughts, Jiang Ruan looked at Xiao Shao and said, "Since you've given Tianzhu to me, I should have the authority to decide how to handle her, right?"
Xiao Shao nodded, and Jiang Ruan smiled. "Alright, as I said, it has nothing to do with you. There's no need to ask for punishment."
Tianzhu cautiously glanced at Xiao Shao, who showed no particular reaction. Feeling grateful, she said, "This subordinate thanks the princess consort and the prince for your leniency."
Qi Feng cleared his throat twice. "Third sister-in-law, you should go inside first. Standing outside, you might catch a chill. You've just recovered from a serious illness, and your body is still somewhat weak."
Everyone agreed, and Lianqiao and Zisu helped Jiang Ruan into the house. Xiao Shao still had matters to attend to at the palace, so after reassuring Jiang Ruan, he left first.
After Xiao Shao left, Jiang Ruan sat in the room, which appeared somewhat messy. Zisu said sheepishly, "We've been so worried about your health these past few days that we haven't had the heart to tidy up. We'll clean it right away."
"There's no rush," Jiang Ruan said calmly. "There's something I need to tell you all."
"What is it?" Luzhu asked curiously.
"The poison in my body is an old ailment, but ultimately, it was triggered by someone using poison on me recently. I know who did it." Jiang Ruan took a sip of the hot tea Lianqiao handed her.
Tianzhu tensed. "You know who it was?"
"Although I don't know who personally poisoned me, I know who was behind it." Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Since she's given me such a grand gift, how can I not return the favor?"
The maids exchanged puzzled glances, none understanding the meaning behind Jiang Ruan's words. After a long pause, Luzhu finally said, "Is this person the same one who poisoned you over a decade ago? And why would they want to harm you like this? If it was the first madame..." Luzhu frowned. "But the first madame is already dead. How could she have ordered someone to poison you?"
"That person wasn't Xia Yan," Jiang Ruan said, watching the tea leaves swirl in her cup. "Years ago, this person was after my life. Now, they've suddenly resorted to the same old tricks, simply because they feel I've become a threat to them again. That person is in the palace. This debt, along with my mother's, I will naturally collect in full." She let out a cold laugh. "Xiao Shao has already begun making arrangements. Tomorrow morning, I'll make sure they regret it!"Lianqiao and the others exchanged glances. Since Jiang Ruan had not spelled things out, it naturally meant the person behind this was no simple figure, and she already had her own plans. Having followed her for so long, the maids understood her thoughts well and knew better than to press further. Tianzhu asked, "What does the young mistress wish us to do?"
"I've made thorough preparations. Since that person is in the palace, I must return the favor there. Tomorrow, you will accompany me into the palace. There are some matters I'm eager to clarify." She smiled faintly, but the cold glint in her eyes sent an involuntary shiver down the maids' spines.
...
In a secluded corner of the palace, Jiang Dan hurled a porcelain bottle to the ground with a violent crash, sending shards scattering in all directions. The surrounding palace maids dared not even breathe loudly. One quickly knelt to gather the fragments, but Jiang Dan snapped, "Get out!"
The maids startled and hastily retreated, leaving Jiang Dan alone in the vast hall. Her expression was no longer the usual sweet and charming one but twisted into something almost frightening. She clenched her fists tightly, teeth grinding unconsciously.
Even the most patient person, the longer they stayed in the palace and the higher they climbed, the more their true nature would surface. And once someone became careless, it was easy for others to catch them out. Yet, Jiang Dan remained relatively clear-headed even now, which was why she remembered to dismiss all the maids before any suspicions could arise. She had always been cautious.
The news that Jiang Ruan was not only unharmed but had appeared in a carriage outside the Brocade Hero King Manor sent tremors through Jiang Dan's hands. For days, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't uncover any news about Jiang Ruan. The Brocade Hero King Manor was as impenetrable as a fortress—not even a fly could slip out. With Jiang Ruan's recent troubles, Jiang Dan didn’t dare act recklessly and risk exposing herself. She had assumed that after so long without news, Jiang Ruan was surely doomed. Yet, there Jiang Ruan was, returning to the manor in broad daylight, and Jiang Dan hadn’t even known when she had left.
Jiang Dan hadn’t expected Jiang Ruan to be so tenacious, and the realization filled her with panic. The whole scheme had been designed to draw out the poison. Since Jiang Ruan had fully recovered, she would inevitably discover the poison that had lurked in her body since childhood. If she investigated thoroughly, it would only be a matter of time before Jiang Dan was implicated. Given Jiang Ruan’s ruthless nature—evident from the fate of Xia Yan’s family—she would never let this go. Once Jiang Ruan uncovered Jiang Dan’s involvement, there would be no mercy.
The thought alone made Jiang Dan’s heart race. She recalled the gray-clad man and couldn’t help but resent him inwardly. He had promised that no matter how capable Jiang Ruan was, she wouldn’t escape this time. Yet, somehow, things had still gone awry. After a moment’s thought, she walked to a nearby table, picked up a brush from a jade holder, and prepared to write a letter to someone.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the palace, someone’s mood was the polar opposite of Jiang Dan’s. In the Southern Garden, as Xiao Shao stepped into the hall, a delicate-looking youth hurried forward without ceremony, grabbing his sleeve. "She’s back?"
"She’s at the manor," Xiao Shao replied calmly, extracting his sleeve. "Does the Thirteenth Prince intend to visit my wife?"A court official daring to refer to himself as "I" in front of a prince—Xiao Shao's audacity was truly remarkable. Yet the young prince showed no awareness of being bullied, his face immediately lighting up with unmistakable delight: "Great! When do we leave?"
Over the past ten days, Ye Pei had endured each day in the palace as if it were a year, his thoughts constantly preoccupied with Jiang Ruan's illness. Even when the Emperor questioned him about his studies, his mind wandered, leading to numerous incorrect answers. Even Liu Min noticed something was amiss, though Ye Pei naturally wouldn't explain the reason to outsiders. Burdened with worry while Jiang Ruan lay bedridden, he had grown noticeably thinner. Later, when he received word from Xiao Shao that Jiang Ruan's poison had been cured, a weight finally lifted from his heart. Yet as Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao showed no signs of returning, Ye Pei grew increasingly furious, cursing Xiao Shao countless times in his mind for scheming to take Jiang Ruan away. Now, at last, Jiang Ruan was back in the capital.
"No one can casually take a prince away. If Your Highness wishes to visit my humble abode, you'll have to find a way out yourself," Xiao Shao replied coolly.
Such blatant bullying left Ye Pei momentarily stunned before outrage overtook him. "You—how unreasonable! If you treat me like this, I'll tell her—"
"And then?" Xiao Shao's gaze, though expressionless, bore down on him with undeniable pressure.
Ye Pei faltered, momentarily speechless. Realizing he had been cowed by a mere look, his embarrassment flared into anger. "She’ll definitely stand up for me!" he shouted.
In the palace, Ye Pei had always carried himself with a composure beyond his years—sometimes even surpassing that of adults. Especially now, as he gained the Emperor's favor, the servants rarely saw any childish behavior from him. But provoked by Xiao Shao, he displayed a rare burst of youthful vigor.
"She is my consort. Why would she help you?" Xiao Shao continued.
"And she’s also my—" Ye Pei cut himself off abruptly, lifting his head warily to study Xiao Shao. His mind churned like stormy waves—this man was cunning. With just a few words, he had nearly tricked Ye Pei into revealing his secret. Xiao Shao might appear indifferent and detached, but his observational skills were razor-sharp. He knew exactly how to unsettle Ye Pei by mentioning Jiang Ruan and precisely what words would provoke him. The competitive fire that had flared in Ye Pei moments ago slowly cooled. Smiling faintly, he said, "Prince Xiao, isn’t this just bullying the weak?"
His tone dripped with sarcasm, but Xiao Shao didn’t so much as blink. "The Thirteenth Prince is hardly weak," he replied evenly.
Ye Pei swallowed. Whoever claimed Jinying Wang was an aloof, saintly figure untouched by worldly affairs clearly didn’t know him. When this man chose to be wicked, he was downright devious—hitting every sore spot with precision. Steadying himself, Ye Pei said, "I know what you want to find out, but I have no obligation to tell you. Even if you two are married..." He smirked maliciously. "I imagine it’s not a true marriage yet, is it?"
"Your Highness is overstepping," Xiao Shao reminded him. "That day will come eventually."Ye Pei was caught off guard by his words once again and gave Xiao Shao a strange look, as if trying to determine whether the person before him matched the one described by others. After a long pause, he shook his head and said, "Regardless, she isn't completely open with you now. What you want to know is a secret—one that concerns both her and me. If you truly care for her, find a way to get me out of the palace. I need to see her and clarify some things in person. After that, if she truly trusts you, she'll tell you herself. But I have no obligation to disclose it to you."
Xiao Shao stared at him for a moment before nodding. "Fine."
Seeing him agree so readily, Ye Pei inwardly sighed in relief and looked at him solemnly. "You saved her life before, so no matter what, I should thank you on her behalf. Whatever happens, our goals align—neither of us would ever harm her." This was the first time Ye Pei had sincerely softened his stance toward Xiao Shao, perhaps because Xiao Shao had found a way to neutralize the poison in Jiang Ruan, earning Ye Pei's genuine gratitude.
Xiao Shao glanced at him. "I saved my own wife. What does that have to do with you? No thanks needed."
Ye Pei: "..."
...
Jiang Ruan had barely returned to Brocade Hero King Manor for half an hour when Jiang Xin Zhi, upon receiving the news, rushed back from the military camp. He immediately launched into a lengthy lecture about precautions to take while recovering from illness. If not for knowing her elder brother's martial background, Jiang Ruan might have suspected he was considering a career change to medicine. She had kept her poisoning a secret from the General's Residence, knowing that if Zhao Guang learned someone had targeted her and her mother over a decade ago, he would storm the Ministry of Personnel in a rage. But now was not the time for that.
When Jiang Xin Zhi brought up the incident, his lingering fear was overshadowed by anger. "What exactly happened? Xiao Shao wouldn't tell me who poisoned you—are you planning to keep me in the dark too?"
Zisu brought over some plum blossom honey water, and Jiang Ruan pushed a cup toward Jiang Xin Zhi, soothing him, "I know who it was. Right now, I just don’t want to alert them. Don’t worry, Brother. I’ll resolve this matter tomorrow morning—it won’t be difficult for me. With Xiao Shao’s help, nothing will go wrong. You know what kind of person I am. I won’t let anyone scheme against me without consequences."
"A Ruan, I’m your brother," Jiang Xin Zhi grumbled. "You’d rather tell Xiao Shao than me? Do you think I’m useless, so you don’t want me handling this?" He felt a pang of hurt—his little sister had truly changed after marriage. He recalled how close they used to be and said, "When you were bullied as a child, I always stood up for you. Have you forgotten that now...?"Jiang Ruan helplessly rubbed her forehead. "Elder Brother, what are you saying? What does this have to do with me thinking you're useless? I'll tell you about this matter, just not now. Can't you even wait one night? Besides, the reason I don't want you involved is because your current position isn't suitable. You're a general—getting involved in these matters will inevitably invite gossip. Xiao Shao is different. The Brocade-clad Guards under his command aren't the same as regular soldiers; they specialize in covert operations and are more convenient to use. He's my husband, so his people are my people. If you dislike him, Elder Brother, are you dissatisfied with me?"
Jiang Xin Zhi was momentarily speechless. "How could I be dissatisfied with you? The reason I worked so hard to earn this military merit was precisely so you wouldn't suffer any grievances. If after gaining this achievement I still have to fear others' gossip and hesitate to stand up for you, then what's the point of climbing higher?" Seeing Jiang Ruan's slightly stunned expression, his heart softened. After all, he was afraid she might overthink things and affect her recently recovered health. He quickly added, "Alright, alright, whatever you say goes. I won't interfere. But tomorrow you must find that person for me. Anyone who dares to lay a hand on you—I'll personally make sure they're crippled!"
Jiang Ruan smiled, and Jiang Xin Zhi looked at her before suddenly sighing. "Though I don’t know why, ever since you visited Xiao Shao’s sect, you seem much brighter. I suppose it’s all thanks to him."
Jiang Ruan was taken aback. "Why do you say that, Eldest Brother?"
"You’re my sister—of course I understand you." Jiang Xin Zhi shook his head. "Before, I always felt you had something weighing on your mind, even after marriage. But since your return, your temperament has changed quite a bit. I didn’t like Xiao Shao at first, thinking his nature was too cold and that he wouldn’t take good care of you." He paused. "But now, it seems he treats you well. I always said, A Ruan, you’re so wonderful—how could anyone in this world not like you? Xiao Shao’s judgment isn’t bad after all. And the way you treat him now… it’s no longer just the alliance you once spoke of, is it?"
Had she really been so obvious? Jiang Ruan’s heart skipped a beat before she laughed. "Eldest Brother, do you not like me like this?"
"No, I’m happy." Jiang Xin Zhi smiled faintly. "If someone in this world brings you joy, no matter who it is, I’m glad for you." He reached out and patted her head. "As long as they treat you well, that’s enough."
The siblings chatted a while longer, but Jiang Xin Zhi didn’t dare keep Jiang Ruan too long for fear of tiring her. Before long, he rose to leave, carefully instructing Lianqiao and the others that he would return to the manor to see her the next day. After Jiang Xin Zhi left, Jiang Ruan rested a little longer. As evening fell, she took her medicine and spent some time in her room reviewing the account books. She hadn’t had time to go through the account books from the Mount Canaan estate, and with nothing else to do at the moment, she flipped through them.
(End of Chapter)
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