Xiao Shao turned his head to stare at her, his expression finally softening slightly. "You are my princess consort. You ventured into danger alone without thinking to let me share the burden. Do you not trust me enough?"
Seeing his attitude soften, Jiang Ruan replied, "No, that's not it. I did think about it, and I'm not a fool. If all that blood had truly been lost, it would have cost me my life. This life of mine was barely saved by you and your master—how could I throw it away for something as insignificant as the Minister's residence? I'm not that reckless. Didn't you see those blood bags? I prepared them all. When have I ever let myself suffer a loss?"
Xiao Shao frowned, his face still cold. Though he felt both exasperated and amused upon hearing about the blood bags, what he remembered most was the panic he felt when he and Jiang Xin Zhi arrived and saw the trail of blood staining the snow. In that moment, overwhelming fury had nearly driven him to draw his sword and kill Jiang Quan on the spot.
Seeing his silence, Jiang Ruan knew he was deeply angered today and wanted to console him further. Just then, Luzhu walked in cheerfully with a bowl of medicine, saying, "The medicine Butler Lin ordered is ready. Princess Consort, drink it while it's hot." She hoped to ease the tension between them, thinking that mentioning Jiang Ruan's injuries might soften Xiao Shao's heart and lessen his anger toward her.
Indeed, the coldness on Xiao Shao's face lessened slightly. Jiang Ruan took the medicine, and as Xiao Shao averted his gaze, she obediently began drinking.
...
Butler Lin had just returned to the small kitchen when Jin San rushed out, sweating profusely. "Hey, Old Lin, the medicine for the princess consort is ready. Let Lianqiao take it over."
Luzhu returned to put away the empty bowl and was shocked to hear Jin San's words. "What medicine?"
"The healing medicine Miracle Healer Xia prescribed for the princess consort," Jin San said. "Didn't she get injured today? What's that empty bowl in your hand?"
Luzhu stared at her blankly. "There was a bowl of medicine here earlier. I thought it was for the young lady, so I took it to the princess consort's room for her to drink."
"What's going on?" Jin San turned to Butler Lin. "Old Lin, is someone else in the residence sick?"
"Sick? Sick?" Butler Lin froze for a moment before his face twisted into an expression somewhere between laughter and tears. He stomped his feet in agitation. "That was the medicine I had Miracle Healer Xia prescribe for the master! I was planning to give it to him today, but then the princess consort got injured. Ah, this isn't the right time for her to drink that! No, no—I can't tell the master. What should I do? I need to hide for now. Jin San, Luzhu, if the prince asks, just say I've caught a cold. Don't let it slip!"
Butler Lin broke out in a cold sweat. Who could have guessed that the medicine he had Xia Wu prescribe earlier—thinking Xiao Shao's health was the reason for the delayed consummation—would end up being taken by Jiang Ruan? Who knew what effect it would have on a woman? Today had truly become a disaster, but for some reason, he couldn't help feeling a little... expectant?
After taking the medicine, Jiang Ruan had intended to rest early, but once in bed, she found herself unable to sleep. Despite the cold weather, a layer of sweat formed on her forehead.
At first, she thought the medicine Butler Lin had sent was simply potent, but after a while, she realized something was wrong. Once aware, her gaze fell on Xiao Shao, her expression conflicted.
"Xiao Shao," she called hesitantly after a long pause, unable to hold back any longer.Upon hearing this, Xiao Shao looked up and was momentarily stunned by Jiang Ruan's appearance. He set down his book, walked to the bedside, and sat down. Though his expression remained cool, he couldn't help but ask with concern, "What's wrong?"
Noticing something amiss with Jiang Ruan's complexion, he frowned and reached out to touch her forehead. His hand was icy cold, and when it made contact, he started in surprise. "What's going on? Why are you burning up like this?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he abruptly withdrew his hand, as if realizing something, and lifted his gaze to meet Jiang Ruan's.
Jiang Ruan felt extremely awkward. Whether Butler Lin had orchestrated this intentionally or not was unclear.
Xiao Shao retracted his hand, his expression darkening. "I'll call Xia Qing over." Despite his words, a trace of anger seeped through. Even if it was Butler Lin, treating Jiang Ruan's health so carelessly—even as a prank—was truly excessive.
"Xiao Shao." Jiang Ruan grabbed his sleeve. She hadn't used much strength, but Xiao Shao paused and turned back. "It's nothing, just a mistake with the prescription."
He was likely trying to reassure her, but Jiang Ruan hesitated. This person before her now knew all the secrets of her rebirth. Since she had already decided that he was the one to walk side by side with her in this life, and knowing full well his feelings, why was she still hesitating like this?
Thinking this, she tightened her grip on his sleeve and forced out three difficult words: "Don't go."
"Don't worry." Xiao Shao still didn't seem to grasp her meaning. Seeing her insistence and fearing she might fall, he sat back down on the bed, his voice steady. "I'll be back soon."
Jiang Ruan felt a surge of frustration. She had already made herself so clear, yet Xiao Shao remained this obtuse. The faint, pleasant scent of bamboo and wind clung to his clothes. Just as outsiders saw him as cold and aloof, only she knew how gentle and precious this person truly was.
Xiao Shao, still thinking Jiang Ruan was merely embarrassed, said, "Be good, let go." The next moment, he felt a heavy impact as someone crashed into him. Caught off guard, he was knocked onto the bed, his back aching from the force.
Jiang Ruan struggled to prop herself up and nearly shouted, "I told you not to go!"
But no matter how loud she was, to Xiao Shao, it only sounded like guilt.
Xiao Shao calmly stared at Jiang Ruan, who was now sprawled on top of him, his voice betraying no emotion. "Do you know what you're doing?"
Jiang Ruan's gaze was fierce, yet it contrasted sharply with her stunningly beautiful face. Of course, she knew what this meant. Her relationship with Xiao Shao had taken an unusual turn after the antidote incident, but she had always been slow to warm up. If left to her own devices, who knew how long it would take?
Xiao Shao was too much of a gentleman. Unless she gave her consent, he would never take the initiative to push things further. And given her nature, she would never voice it herself. Seizing this moment felt like giving herself an out. If she missed this chance, she didn't know if she'd ever have the courage to be this forward with Xiao Shao again.Rarely were her thoughts so clear at such a moment, yet when she met Xiao Shao's beautiful long eyes, she felt momentarily dazed again. Jiang Ruan steeled her heart and suddenly lifted her lips in a smile. "What do you think?" she asked. In her heart, she thought, no, she wouldn't regret it, because the person before her was entirely different from Ye Li. The past was gone, and from now on, the one standing by her side would be this person before her.
Xiao Shao stiffened slightly. His gaze was sharp, but his tone gentle: "A Ruan, you don't regret it?"
Jiang Ruan didn't speak, only looked at him with a smile.
Xiao Shao smiled faintly, his voice tender: "A Ruan, it's too late to regret now."
...
The night scenery outside the window was breathtakingly beautiful. On the plum tree in the courtyard, the blossoms bloomed brilliantly and dazzlingly, illuminating the cold winter day with their splendor, as if spring had arrived early. The snowflakes were cold and crystalline, the red plums vivid and passionate—a match made in heaven, a sight that would leave anyone spellbound, adorning the winter night of the capital with extraordinary beauty.
In the night, the soft murmurs of birds seemed to drift through the air, slowly scattering over the mansion. Even in the bitter winter, the room was exceptionally warm. Life offers only one encounter in a lifetime; meeting in this world was already a rare and precious bond. It was as if all the estrangement and unhappiness had vanished into thin air, and the two laid bare their pasts. The darkness and sorrow of previous lives, the endless pain hidden deep in their hearts, the secrets they could never share with anyone—all seemed to change after this night. From now on, there would be someone in this world to stand by their side, sharing glory and disgrace under the name of husband and wife. It was an unfamiliar experience, yet one to look forward to.
How precious.
How many people in the Brocade Hero King Manor knew of the romance that night? Presumably only the shadow guards crouching on the branches, walls, and eaves. However, the final winner of Jin Si's bet was the house itself. Jin Si generously used the winnings to treat everyone to drinks. In their tipsy revelry, several shadow guards wept for joy, as if they could already see the next little master of the Brocade Hero King Manor on their way to the manor.
When Jiang Ruan woke, it was already the next morning. After a night's sleep, her body felt as if it had been run over by something, even more so than the night before. The bedding beside her was smooth—Xiao Shao was not in bed. She propped herself up to sit, and the door creaked open as Xiao Shao entered with a bowl of medicine. Seeing Jiang Ruan awake, he set the bowl on the small table by the bed, reached out to touch her forehead, and asked, "Still tired?"
Jiang Ruan: "..."
Xiao Shao smiled. Jiang Ruan reached out to pick up the medicine bowl, blew on it, and downed it in a few gulps.
The medicine was likely prescribed by Butler Lin, and it was quite effective. After drinking it, her body felt warm and cozy, and even the soreness eased considerably.
After she finished, Xiao Shao took the empty bowl from her hands and said, "Rest in the room today."
"No," Jiang Ruan shook her head. "The Judicial Court is hearing a case today. I still need to go." After a moment's thought, she added, "After drinking the medicine, I'm already much better. Listening to the case won't be a problem. You don't need to worry."Xiao Shao knew that Jiang Ruan always had her own ideas. While her attitude towards admitting mistakes was commendable, the next time she would still disregard her own well-being without hesitation. It was as if she lived by the word "fight." He felt heartache but also helplessness, so he said, "I'll have Jin San and the others accompany you. The officials at the Judicial Bureau shouldn’t give you any trouble."
His words implied that he had already arranged matters with the Judicial Bureau beforehand. Jiang Ruan looked at him and said, "I’m suing my own father. There will inevitably be gossip in the capital, and it might even tarnish your reputation, putting the Brocade Hero King Manor in an awkward position. Do you think what I’m doing is wrong?"
"He is not your father," Xiao Shao said, gently stroking her head. "You have no ties to the Jiang family anymore." Jiang Ruan was slightly taken aback as Xiao Shao continued, "You’ve married into the Brocade Hero King Manor, which means you are now part of the Xiao family. Whether it’s revenge or overturning the case, the Xiao family will stand behind you."
His expression was resolute, his tone gentle. Outsiders always said he was the coldest person, but only Jiang Ruan knew how warm his heart truly was. She smiled and said, "Xiao Shao, thank you."
It wasn’t a perfunctory thanks, nor was it the kind of gratitude exchanged between allies in a transaction. This "thank you" was utterly sincere, straight from the heart. In this world, it was rare to find someone who would stand behind you unconditionally, no matter what you did, unwavering in their support. That was the essence of love and loyalty.
"No need," Xiao Shao replied meaningfully. "If you really want to thank me, just be more passionate tonight."
Jiang Ruan: "..."
...
In a quiet corner of the palace, Ye Pei listened to the report brought back by Mingyue and sneered, "Jiang Quan’s days of comfort are probably numbered. He dared to harm her all those years ago, and now it’s time for him to face the consequences. The deaths of Xia Yan and Jiang Susu didn’t settle everything—did he really think he could still have a way out? Ridiculous."
Mingyue stood silently by her side. She knew her young master had a peculiar concern for Jiang Ruan, as if the two shared some special connection. But even Xiao Shao couldn’t uncover the truth, so how could she, a mere shadow guard, find out? Though puzzled, she understood that Ye Pei would always protect Jiang Ruan. Now that Jiang Quan’s deeds had spread throughout the capital—a father so cruel to his own daughter—even ordinary citizens would curse him as heartless, let alone someone as close to Jiang Ruan as Ye Pei.
"Have you arranged for the people at the Judicial Bureau?" Ye Pei toyed with a pigeon-egg-sized luminous pearl in his hand. It was a reward bestowed by the Emperor the day before, pleased with his outstanding performance in his studies and policy discussions. Such luminous pearls were rare even in the palace, something that would make Fifth Prince Ye Hua green with envy. Yet here it was, being carelessly handled by Ye Pei as if it were a mere plaything. This alone spoke volumes about Ye Pei’s current standing in the court. The once-neglected and bullied "useless prince" was no more—no one dared to underestimate him now."Your Highness," Mingyue asked in confusion, "Prince Xiao must have already made arrangements with the Judicial Bureau. Even if Your Highness doesn't intervene, the bureau won't let Jiang Quan gain any advantage. Why must Your Highness go to such lengths?" Ye Pei's every move was closely watched by those with ulterior motives. If it were discovered that he had interfered in Jiang Ruan's case at the Judicial Bureau, who knew what rumors might spread. In the palace, the best policy was self-preservation, especially since Jiang Quan's case could be resolved satisfactorily without his involvement.
"Jinying Wang is doing what he ought to do, and I am doing what I ought to do. Must I rely on his influence to act as I please?" Ye Pei snorted coldly. "The Judicial Bureau has always been slippery. With Jinying Wang pressuring them and my added intervention, they’ll realize the gravity of this matter and spare no effort in crushing Jiang Quan. No matter what, as long as more charges can be piled onto Jiang Quan, I’ll be delighted."
Mingyue shrugged helplessly. Ye Pei's hostility toward Xiao Shao had never waned, though to the adult Mingyue, it seemed somewhat childish—a rare display of immaturity in someone as precocious as Ye Pei. Moreover, it almost felt like a rivalry with Xiao Shao, one rooted in jealousy over Jiang Ruan. But given Ye Pei's young age, Mingyue dismissed it as overthinking.
...
The entrance to the Judicial Bureau’s main hall was already crowded with onlookers. The bureau was renowned for its impartial trials, often handling the private disputes of noble families and high-ranking officials in the capital. Naturally, people flocked to witness the spectacle and catch whispers of scandal. Thus, unless truly driven to desperation, few would bring their cases before the Judicial Bureau. After all, no one wanted their family’s dirty laundry aired in public, becoming fodder for gossip under the open sky.
Jiang Ruan’s arrival caused another stir. Accusing one’s own father was unprecedented in history. And the one who dared to do so was none other than Jiang Ruan—once an overlooked figure in the Jiang household, later the favored noblewoman in Empress Dowager Yide’s court, and now the enigmatic wife of the infamous Traitorous Subject. Each of her identities invited sighs of wonder. Though many gazes held envy, even more were tinged with admiration.
Jiang Quan’s crimes were undeniably unforgivable, yet Jiang Ruan’s actions were equally ruthless, severing all familial ties. Public opinion split sharply into two factions. One insisted Jiang Quan deserved death, and while Jiang Ruan’s methods were extreme, they were justified. The other believed Jiang Ruan had violated the moral principles upheld since the founding of the Da Jin Dynasty, branding her as unfilial for dragging her own father to court.
Regardless of others’ views, Jiang Ruan remained indifferent. Stepping down from the carriage, she wore a robe embroidered with intricate and solemn patterns of sacred flowers, enhancing her regal bearing. Over it, a fox-fur cloak blazed like fire against the snow. The previous night’s snowfall had left half a foot of pristine white, and amidst the silver expanse, she stood alone—a striking figure in red, radiant yet icy. Her beauty was so arresting it seemed to steal the breath from onlookers.Even though the officials of the Judicial Bureau were known for treating everyone in the courtroom equally, they couldn't help but show a hint of respect when facing Jiang Ruan. This legitimate daughter of the Jiang family was not to be underestimated. Their superior, Judge Sun Xu, had specifically instructed his subordinates the night before to treat Jiang Ruan with courtesy. For someone like Sun Xu, who was unafraid of power and status, to give such importance to her suggested that there was more to this Jiang family heiress than met the eye.
In stark contrast, Jiang Quan received treatment that was worlds apart. Sun Xu had a notoriously eccentric temperament in court, fearing no one, and wouldn’t even spare a pleasant expression for former colleagues. Jiang Quan, who had always cared deeply about his dignity, now found himself inexplicably diminished before Sun Xu, treated almost like a criminal under trial. His fury burned uncontrollably.
Jiang Xin Zhi was currently in the military camp discussing affairs with the former general and couldn’t make it in time. When Jiang Ruan entered the hall, she noticed Zhao Guang and the three Zhao brothers were also present. Zhao Yuanfeng, upon seeing her, warmly greeted her: "A Ruan."
After all, Zhao Mei had been a member of the Zhao family. Though years ago, they had severed ties and declared they no longer acknowledged this unfilial daughter, blood ties could never truly be cut. Especially for the pearl they had once cradled in their palms. When the Zhao family learned that Jiang Ruan had sued the Jiang family in the Judicial Bureau, they were incensed. If not for Jiang Xin Zhi’s intervention, Zhao Guang might have stormed into the Minister’s residence and cut Jiang Quan down to accompany Zhao Mei in death.
The Zhao family had always been fiercely protective of their own. Their presence in the Judicial Bureau today was a clear statement of their stance. Zhao Mei was their daughter, and if her death was not an accident—if Jiang Quan was involved—then the Zhao family would never let the matter rest.
Jiang Ruan stepped forward to greet each member of the Zhao family. The women and younger grandchildren of the Zhao family had not come. Su Shi, already remorseful about Zhao Mei’s fate, might have been overwhelmed with emotion if she heard the truth in court. Jiang Ruan acknowledged everyone from the Zhao family but deliberately ignored Jiang Quan. The latter felt the weight of the surrounding gazes upon him, humiliation and anger boiling within him as he spat, "Ungrateful wretch!"
Zhao Guang glared, ready to retort, but Jiang Ruan spoke first, addressing Jiang Quan coolly, "May I ask whom Lord Jiang is referring to?"
Jiang Quan hadn’t expected her to respond so bluntly. Enraged, he snapped, "Is this how you treat your own father? Where is your sense of propriety and shame?"
"Lord Jiang must be mistaken," Jiang Ruan smiled. "Yesterday, the half-pint of blood I shed settled all debts. I have no ties left to the Minister’s residence—what father are you speaking of?"
Jiang Quan was left speechless. The crowd recalled the image of Jiang Ruan resolutely slicing her own hand with a sword in the snow the day before. The old man’s face flushed crimson, his usually composed and refined features twisting in fury.
"Silence!" the clerk presiding over the session called out sternly. The guards on either side stood motionless as Judge Sun Xu, clad in official robes, strode in. He took his seat at the central high platform, his gaze sweeping over the assembly before handing the indictment to the clerk beside him. The clerk cleared his throat and began reading the contents of the petition aloud.The contents of the indictment detailed how Xia Yan and the Xia Family had conspired to harm Zhao Mei and her two children, including the ambush against Jiang Xin Zhi in the woods and the cruel methods employed during their childhood—enough to make one's blood run cold. The indifferent attitude of Jiang Quan as described in the indictment also shocked the crowd. While such ruthless scheming was not uncommon among noble families, it was rare to see a father like Jiang Quan, who turned a blind eye to the suffering of his own flesh and blood—Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi, the legitimate children of the Minister's household. The clerk was quite a character as well; not only was the indictment itself written to stir outrage, but he also read it with dramatic cadence and overflowing emotion. It drove the men in the crowd to roll up their sleeves, itching to charge in and beat Jiang Quan on the spot, while the women dabbed at their tears with handkerchiefs.
Although Zhao Guang and the three Zhao brothers had long known that Zhao Mei had a difficult life in the Minister's residence, hearing the charges listed one by one in the indictment now made their hearts ache. No one in the world understood better than Jiang Ruan just how painful and perilous life had been for Zhao Mei and her two children in the Jiang household. Thus, she had written the indictment with great care, and the more the Zhao family listened, the more furious they became. Their eyes burned with rage, and they could hardly restrain themselves from rushing over to kill Jiang Quan on the spot.
Jiang Quan frowned. At this moment, every gaze directed at him was filled with hostility. He had unexpectedly become the target of public condemnation, and he couldn’t fathom when Jiang Ruan had gained such influence. He had known his colleague Sun Xu for many years and was well aware of his temperament—yet Sun Xu was especially deferential and humble in Jiang Ruan’s presence. How had she managed to wield such power? His earlier confidence had gradually been replaced by unease, and his expression no longer carried the self-assuredness it had before.
The earlier charges in the indictment had all been unsuccessful attempts, but when it reached the final accusation, the tone shifted abruptly—it spoke of Zhao Mei’s poisoning. The indictment clearly stated that the poison had been administered by Xia Yan, with Jiang Quan as an accomplice, for he had known about it all along yet stood by idly, even secretly encouraging and abetting it!
By the time the indictment was fully read aloud, Jiang Quan could no longer contain his anger. He stood up and shouted, "Nonsense! Absolute nonsense! What poisoning? I never ordered anyone to poison her! Zhao Mei died of illness—how dare you slander me like this?" In his hatred for Jiang Ruan, he even resented Zhao Mei, who had long passed away, as if everything had stemmed from her.
Zhao Guang immediately rose from his seat, bellowing, "Jiang Quan, do you think I wouldn’t dare to take your life right here?" A hardened veteran of the battlefield, even his usual glare was enough to frighten children. Now, truly enraged, his bloodthirsty aura was palpable. Jiang Quan shuddered, swallowing the words he had been about to say.
A flicker of disdain passed through Zhao Yuanping’s eyes as he chuckled lightly. "Lord Jiang, why the hurry? You haven’t been convicted yet—there may still be a way out. If you want to plead innocence, why not wait until the very end?"
His words carried a subtle chill that sent an involuntary shiver down one’s spine. Just as Jiang Quan was about to speak again, Jiang Ruan’s amused voice rang out: "Not only that—I have evidence. Lord Jiang, why not let Magistrate Sun examine it first before saying anything?"
Jiang Quan was startled. He hadn’t expected Jiang Ruan to have evidence. After all, so many years had passed—he had assumed that even if she dredged up old grievances, it wouldn’t stir up much trouble. Without proof, what outcome could an old case possibly yield? Yet at the mention of evidence, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. Still, he stubbornly retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting now?"
Sun Xu struck the gavel and barked, "Bring forth the witness!"
His subordinates quickly escorted the so-called witness forward—a thin young woman whose delicate features might have been considered pretty under better circumstances. Yet for some reason, she appeared haggard, as though life’s hardships had aged her beyond her years. At the sight of her, Jiang Quan sneered mockingly. "I don’t know this person. If you’re going to present a witness, shouldn’t it at least be someone from the Minister’s residence?"The woman raised her head at his words, her voice slightly hoarse as she said, "It has been a long time since we parted. Though the master may not recognize this servant, this servant still remembers the master."
Jiang Quan was startled and scrutinized the woman carefully. After a long while, he exclaimed in shock, "You... are Butterfly?"
Butterfly gave a faint smile. "It's rare that the master still remembers this servant."
"How did you end up here?" Jiang Quan's hand trembled as he pointed at her. He had heard about Jiang Susu banishing Butterfly back then. As a maidservant who failed to perform her duties properly, mixing up the purchased placenta with the miscarried male fetus from the household, she had tarnished Jiang Susu's reputation and caused her great distress. Such a servant deserved death. However, Jiang Susu had already sold her off, and Jiang Quan assumed such a maid would have died long ago. He couldn't fathom why she was here now.
Butterfly smiled again, though her expression was peculiar. A flash of hatred quickly passed through her gaze as she looked at Jiang Quan. "This servant is here because she could no longer bear the torment of her conscience. She has come personally to testify for the innocent late madam and the young master and mistress."
"Nonsense!" Jiang Quan's face turned livid with anger. "What on earth are you talking about?" He turned to Jiang Ruan, who was smiling faintly, and suddenly understood. "What benefits has she promised you to slander me like this? Butterfly, do you realize the severity of falsely accusing an imperial official?"
Jiang Quan seemed to have lost all reason, while the people in the hall watched leisurely, including Judge Sun Xu. The more frantically Jiang Quan struggled, the more he revealed his disgrace. Sun Xu had already been briefed beforehand and, seeing that Jiang Ruan and the Zhao family were pleased, naturally had no intention of interfering.
Faced with Jiang Quan's frenzied questioning, Butterfly shook her head and said, "The young mistress has given me no benefits. The master knows full well what he has done. Why put on this innocent act now? Remember, there is divine justice in this world. Heaven sees all. When you committed those deeds, you should have anticipated this day of reckoning."
(End of Chapter)
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