"Pei Er, you've grown up," Jiang Ruan said with a gentle smile.
"Mother, considering both past and present lives, I'm no longer a child," Ye Pei blinked mischievously. "You mustn't look at me with the eyes of someone viewing a little boy, for I am far from an ignorant toddler." He glanced at Jiang Ruan and suddenly grinned, "Though Mother has lived just as long, you remain as beautiful as in our previous life. I wonder if Prince Xiao would go mad knowing his consort is actually so much older than him."
Jiang Ruan was momentarily stunned, caught between amusement and exasperation. She tapped Ye Pei's forehead lightly, scolding with a laugh, "What nonsense." Yet she found herself seriously contemplating his words. Xiao Shao didn't know she had lived two lifetimes, and counting both, she was indeed considerably older than him. A woman being so much older than her husband was rather unconventional. Though it didn't show outwardly, the thought still unsettled her.
Noticing Jiang Ruan's genuine contemplation, a flicker of displeasure crossed Ye Pei's eyes. He took her hand and said, "I didn't know about your connection with him before. Jinying Wang's sudden marriage proposal took me by surprise—I initially thought it wouldn't be good for you to marry him. But then I realized he might be the only one in this world capable of standing against Ye Li now. Marrying into Brocade Hero King Manor is still better than being entangled with Ye Li. Though it does feel like letting Jinying Wang off too easily." Ye Pei snorted, clearly displeased. In this life, before they could even reunite, Jiang Ruan had married Xiao Shao—largely because the influence of Brocade Hero King Manor was vast, and Xiao Shao's position would remain unshaken regardless of future dynastic changes. Had he known earlier that Jiang Ruan was also reborn into this world, he would never have allowed Xiao Shao to marry her so smoothly.
Jiang Ruan chuckled and ruffled his hair. "You're still so young—don't act so mature all the time." She seemed to have forgotten that when she first reincarnated, she had been much the same as Ye Pei now.
Ye Pei tightened his grip on her hand. "No matter what, Mother, the fact that we can meet again is a blessing. Lately, I've felt something amiss in the palace—Ye Li hasn't made any moves yet. And with the poison incident, someone is watching you from the shadows. You must be careful."
"Don't worry about me," Jiang Ruan shook her head. "I'm not often in the palace, and Brocade Hero King Manor is heavily guarded—it won't be easy for anyone to harm me there. But you... the palace is fraught with danger, and we both know how treacherous it is. Now that you've gained the Emperor's favor, countless eyes are watching you, waiting for a misstep to exploit. Pei Er, never confront them directly. If anything happens, send word to the manor immediately. I'll have Xiao Shao arrange more guards for you."
The long-lost maternal care washed over Ye Pei like a tide from another lifetime. In this life, he had endured cold shoulders and bitter loneliness in the palace, never trusting others nor accepting their kindness. Only Jiang Ruan could soften the guarded corners of his heart. Hearing her speak to him with such tender concern, his heart ached, and tears nearly spilled from his eyes.However, he was no longer the child from his past life who could cry and laugh freely. He blinked away the tears in his eyes and smiled. "Mother, you needn't worry too much. The people around me aren't pushovers either. Jinying Wang's men are too conspicuous, and placing them by my side would only invite suspicion. Though there are many in the palace who wish me harm, if they have the ability, let them come. We'll see who ends up worse for it. Besides, Father Emperor trusts me greatly now. If anyone dares to make a move, he won't let it slide."
Jiang Ruan listened as he spoke of the Emperor, his tone devoid of any particular emotion, making it hard to discern Ye Pei's true thoughts. She looked at him and said, "Pei Er, the Emperor's trust in you now appears as ulterior motives in others' eyes. But you know this isn't baseless. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter." She hesitated slightly. Every prince's ultimate goal was to sit on that throne. Naturally, she didn’t wish for Ye Pei to fight and struggle for that position, losing the happiness he should have had. But if the reborn Ye Pei already harbored such ambitions, she would support him without hesitation. Between mother and son, nothing needed to be said. Whatever Ye Pei wanted to do, she would always stand by his side.
"Mother, you overthink it," Ye Pei shook his head with a smile. "Pleasing Father Emperor and gaining his trust is merely self-preservation. With his favor, at least no one dares to act rashly against me. As for Father Emperor's intentions, I don’t wish to speculate. How things will unfold in the future, I can’t say for certain. My priority now is to avenge you and myself. Though this empire bears the surname Ye, it’s not his to control."
There was a faint edge of ruthlessness in his words. Jiang Ruan initially wanted to console him, but then realized she was no different—returning full of vengeance, seeking only to repay blood with blood. The injustices of their past lives had been too cruel, unforgettable in this lifetime. She smiled faintly and said, "I will always protect you."
They spoke a while longer, but Jiang Ruan couldn’t stay in the Southern Garden for too long. After reminding Ye Pei to be cautious, she took her leave. Once she was gone, Mingyue entered and stood silently beside Ye Pei for a moment before suddenly asking, "Why didn’t Your Highness tell the Princess Consort the truth?"
Whether Ye Pei had designs on the empire or not, in Mingyue’s eyes, it wasn’t entirely without intention. Every step he took was a calculated move toward seizing the throne—from subtly winning the Emperor’s favor to gradually gathering officials in the court. Though everything was flawlessly executed, given time, it would surely become a powerful asset in the struggle for succession.
Such a question was one Ye Pei would usually never answer. He was inherently aloof. But today, perhaps softened by Jiang Ruan’s presence, he showed a rare gentleness. "She wishes for me to remain an innocent and kind-hearted prince. Why should I tear apart that illusion and show her the ugly truth? Let her see me as a child for one more day. In the end, seizing this empire is only to protect those I wish to protect."To protect Jiang Ruan and keep her from harm, one must first ascend to the highest position of all, trampling underfoot those who look down upon them. Only absolute power guarantees absolute safety. For Jiang Ruan, even if the path to the throne is drenched in blood and slaughter, what does it matter?
Mingyue fell silent, knowing that pressing Ye Pei further would yield no answers, and quietly stepped aside.
Meanwhile, Jiang Ruan had just stepped out of the Southern Garden when she heard an unfamiliar voice call from behind, "Princess of Great Peace."
She turned to see several eunuchs and palace maids surrounding a figure clad in gray robes. The person wore a long gray cloak, their hat nearly covering the upper half of their face, revealing only a delicate chin. Their voice was oddly ambiguous, neither distinctly male nor female, and at first glance, they exuded an eerie yet captivating aura.
"And you are...?" Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. This person had addressed her not as the Princess of Brocade Glory but as the Princess of Great Peace—a first in the palace of the Da Jin Dynasty.
"This humble one is Yuan Chuan," the gray-robed figure replied with a slight smile. "I have come from afar, from the Celestial Jin Kingdom, to pledge my loyalty to His Majesty of the Da Jin Dynasty."
A eunuch nearby hurriedly explained, "Your Highness, this Lord Yuan Chuan is an envoy from the Celestial Jin Kingdom."
Jiang Ruan studied Yuan Chuan discreetly, finding their attire unlike that of the Celestial Jin people. There was an indescribable air about them, unsettling in a way that made one uncomfortable. With their eyes hidden beneath the hat, Yuan Chuan's expression remained unreadable, making their intentions impossible to discern.
"So you are an envoy from the Celestial Jin Kingdom," Jiang Ruan said with a smile. "The Da Jin Dynasty is vast and abundant in resources. As an envoy, you should take the opportunity to broaden your horizons. Our dynasty has always welcomed guests." Her words dripped with sarcasm—after all, an envoy from a defeated nation was merely here to submit a letter of surrender. There was no need for such pretentious airs. Moreover, her remark subtly mocked the Celestial Jin Kingdom as a tiny, insignificant land with narrow-minded subjects. The two eunuchs nearby paled slightly. Though the envoy was from a defeated nation, basic courtesy was still expected. If word spread that the Da Jin imperial family bullied others, it would reflect poorly on them. Yet, the Princess of Great Peace was now also the Princess of Brocade Glory, someone they dared not offend. The eunuchs could only hope Yuan Chuan was mild-tempered and wouldn’t take offense.
Yuan Chuan indeed seemed mild-mannered, showing no trace of resentment at Jiang Ruan’s pointed remarks. Instead, they smiled and said, "Just now, I saw Your Highness emerge from the Southern Garden. I know the Thirteenth Prince resides there. It’s touching to see such deep affection between siblings, even without blood ties."
The eunuchs' faces turned ashen again. Moments ago, they had thought Yuan Chuan harmless, but now they realized how malicious this person truly was. These words implied that Jiang Ruan and Ye Pei’s bond was nothing but a pretense, even casting doubt on Jiang Ruan’s virtue. Had Jiang Ruan not already been married, such rumors could have stirred up a storm of scandal.Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, as if completely oblivious to the slander in Yuan Chuan's words. A strange glint flickered across her beautiful face but vanished in an instant as she replied, "The Thirteenth Prince asked me to find some rare books for him outside the palace. Coincidentally, I’ve managed to locate them and will send them along with the items Empress Dowager Yide has prepared for him. Does Lord Yuan Chuan have any objections?"
By invoking Empress Dowager Yide, she had already prepared a backup plan. The title "Lord Yuan Chuan" was dripping with sarcasm—what right did an envoy from the Celestial Jin Kingdom have to meddle in the domestic affairs of the Da Jin Dynasty’s imperial family? His overreach was truly excessive.
Yuan Chuan paused, remaining silent for a long while. Even the two eunuchs beside him had begun to glare at him with anger. No outsider had any business interfering in their nation’s affairs, and for an envoy to dare comment on imperial matters was nothing short of ulterior motives. In that moment, Yuan Chuan had unwittingly provoked public outrage. After a long silence, he finally said, "The Junzhu is indeed a gentle and affectionate elder sister, so devoted to her younger brother."
He would find nothing. Even if he harbored suspicions, Empress Dowager Yide’s involvement and the rare books in hand were irrefutable evidence—no one could uncover any wrongdoing. Jiang Ruan had always been meticulous in matters concerning Ye Pei, especially now that countless eyes in the palace were fixed on him. She would never do anything that could become a liability for him. Even a simple meeting had been arranged flawlessly, leaving no room for criticism.
"Likewise," Jiang Ruan replied with a smile.
Yuan Chuan slowly lowered his head and said, "In that case, I shall not delay the Junzhu any further." With that, he performed an odd bow, likely a gesture of courtesy from the Celestial Jin Kingdom. Jiang Ruan glanced at him and smiled. "Safe travels, Envoy."
...
During the day, because of Ye Pei’s matter, Jiang Ruan had revisited and reorganized the details. Recognizing Ye Pei had been an unexpected joy, like recovering something long lost, and it had lifted her spirits, which had been weighed down by Zisu’s death. Luzhu found it strange, while Lianqiao vaguely sensed it was related to Ye Pei but didn’t know the exact reason. With her mood improved, Jiang Ruan even managed to review the backlog of account books that had piled up in recent days. It wasn’t until late at night, when she was still in the study, that Lianqiao finally came in and said, "Miss, it’s time to rest."
Jiang Ruan set down the ledger in her hand, rubbed her eyes, and rose to wash up before returning to her bedchamber. Xiao Shao had already returned and was now reclining on the bed, having shed his outer robe and draped only a snow-white inner garment over himself as he flipped through a book.
The moment Jiang Ruan stepped inside, her footsteps faltered. Previously, she had shared a bed with Xiao Shao only because it was their wedding night, and later, she had been poisoned. After returning to the residence, her mind had been entirely preoccupied with Zisu’s death. Now that things had settled, the reality of their situation was staring her in the face. Being alone with Xiao Shao, especially under the pretense of being husband and wife, was undeniably awkward.
That said, when Xiao Shao wore dark-colored robes, he exuded an air of stern severity. But whenever he shed his outer garments and donned lighter hues, that severity transformed into an elegant nobility, his coldness melting into a warm, captivating beauty. His jet-black hair cascaded over his shoulders, his profile breathtakingly handsome, like a radiant piece of jade glowing with brilliance.Noticing Jiang Ruan's gaze, Xiao Shao looked up. Jiang Ruan walked nonchalantly to the bedside and sat down. Xiao Shao paused, placing the book in his hand on the table beside him, as if unsure what she intended to do.
Jiang Ruan gave a light cough, then felt a surge of irritation—why did this seem like she was the one wanting something? Quickly dismissing this absurd thought, she feigned composure and familiarity as she lifted the quilt, slipped under it, and pulled it over herself. Turning her head, she met Xiao Shao's meaningful gaze.
Jiang Ruan's face instantly burned. Remembering Ye Pei's remark earlier that day about her being much older than Xiao Shao, she froze again, feeling the atmosphere grow increasingly peculiar. To break the silence, she looked at Xiao Shao and said, "Today in the palace, I met Yuan Chuan, the envoy from the Celestial Jin Kingdom."
Xiao Shao responded absentmindedly with a hum.
"He's not from the Celestial Jin Kingdom," Jiang Ruan frowned. Without waiting for Xiao Shao to ask, she continued, "I deliberately disparaged and insulted the Celestial Jin Kingdom in front of him, yet he showed no reaction at all." No matter how flawed a person might be, they would never tolerate others trampling on their homeland—especially an envoy, who represented their nation's dignity. Such a person would never allow their country to be humiliated so easily. If Yuan Chuan were truly as meek as he appeared, the Emperor of the Celestial Jin Kingdom would never have sent someone like him to disgrace himself.
"If he's not from the Celestial Jin Kingdom, could he be a spy with some ulterior motive in the palace? I can't shake the feeling he intends to do something to Pei—no, the Thirteenth Prince," Jiang Ruan mused aloud. Suddenly realizing Xiao Shao wasn't responding, she snapped, "Are you even listening?" Before she could finish, she felt a sudden weight pressing her down onto the bed. Xiao Shao loomed over her, one arm braced beside her, his gaze unfathomable.
(End of Chapter)
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