In a corner of the palace, Jiang Dan, who had always been composed, now appeared visibly anxious. Even her personal maid noticed her unusual demeanor. She forcefully sat back down on her chair, gripping the backrest tightly. The maid couldn't hold back any longer and said, "Your Highness, are you troubled by Lord Jiang's situation? Please take care of your health. His Majesty would be worried if he knew."
Jiang Dan's expression shifted slightly as she forced a smile and sighed, "I just never imagined Da Jiejie could be so heartless. After all, he is her own father—how could she be so ruthless? Although I wasn't particularly close to Father either, watching him fall into such a state still pains me." As she spoke, she pressed her fingers to her temples, as if weighed down by sorrow.
"Your Highness is too kind-hearted," the maid couldn't help but advise. "But right now, you should focus on taking care of yourself."
Jiang Dan waved her hand dismissively and shook her head. "I understand. You may leave now."
The maid cast one last worried glance at Jiang Dan before withdrawing, leaving the vast hall empty except for Jiang Dan herself. She absentmindedly traced the armrest of the chair with her fingernails, her expression turning almost sinister.
Jiang Quan had already been thrown into the Heavenly Prison. Who would have thought Jiang Ruan's capabilities were so formidable? After all these years, she could still produce evidence. For now, only Jiang Quan was implicated, but Butterfly had also known about Jiang Dan's service to Xia Yan—why hadn't that been exposed? Naturally, Butterfly wouldn't have kept it secret for Jiang Dan's sake. In fact, Jiang Dan had already guessed the likely reason: Jiang Ruan had deliberately suppressed that fact. She must already know that Jiang Dan had poisoned her and Zhao Mei back then.
The mere thought of this made Jiang Dan's heart race with fear. She knew all too well how ruthless Jiang Ruan could be. From an overlooked wild girl in the mountains to the now-feared Princess of Brocade Glory, Jiang Ruan had methodically devoured the Minister's residence, eliminating anyone who stood in her way. Jiang Ruan recognized no familial ties and held grudges over the smallest slights—why would she spare Jiang Dan alone? The only reason she hadn't acted yet was because she had something worse in store.
The more Jiang Dan thought about it, the more terrified she became. She bit her lower lip hard before suddenly summoning her trusted maid, Zhu'er. "There's something I need you to do," she said.
...
Meanwhile, in the carriage on the way back to the estate, Jin San couldn't help but ask Jiang Ruan, "Young Madam, since you know Consort Jiang was also involved in harming Madam, why didn't you have Butterfly expose her? Even if she's a consort, once implicated in the death of an official's wife, she would have to stand trial—not even His Majesty could interfere. Why did you let her off?"
"I'm not letting her off," Jiang Ruan replied with a faint smile. "I just don't want her to have it too easy. Butterfly's testimony had too many loopholes. Jiang Quan was caught because Xiao Shao intervened, and his political influence had already waned—His Majesty wouldn't object too much. But implicating Jiang Dan is different. She's currently favored. If someone scrutinizes the case carefully, they'll easily spot inconsistencies. Don't forget, Butterfly and the so-called evidence were all fabricated by us. In this world, it's impossible to leave absolutely no traces behind."Jin San thought for a moment before nodding. "Though that may be so, it seems a pity to simply let this opportunity slip away. Does the young madam already have a good plan?"
"Jiang Dan is naturally suspicious. Though ruthless in her actions, deep down she remains as cowardly and timid as ever after all these years. Fearing exposure, she must be pacing anxiously in the palace right now. In her panic, how could she possibly discern the peculiarities in this case? Her mind must be entirely consumed with thoughts of avoiding discovery. Jin San, after returning to the estate, dispatch a few Brocade-clad Guards to secretly protect Jiang Quan. Before his sentencing, we must ensure he isn't silenced to cover up the truth," Jiang Ruan instructed.
Jin San was startled. "She would actually resort to silencing him?" A trace of disdain flashed in her eyes. "Such a woman, capable of such deeds just to save herself—no wonder she targeted the late madam back then. But young madam, even if we protect Jiang Quan, what then?"
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "I don't wish to take the initiative. Acting first would only expose us when the investigation begins. All we need to do now is lure the snake out of its hole. The more anxious she becomes, the more mistakes she'll make. I'll provoke her into action, but the grave she digs will be her own." Her tone was gentle, yet Jin San felt an icy chill, her heart tightening involuntarily. Seeing Jiang Ruan's composed smile, she realized her mistress already had everything under control and relaxed.
Upon returning to the Jiang estate, it was unexpectedly crowded with unfamiliar guards at the entrance. Though dressed as ordinary household guards, Jiang Ruan immediately noticed the difference. She had always been adept at observing details—these guards carried themselves with solemn discipline, their bearing no less imposing than that of the Brocade-clad Guards. Jiang Ruan frowned. Having spent years in the palace in her past life, she recognized them as resembling Imperial Guards.
At her arrival, the guards bowed slightly. "This subordinate greets the Princess Consort."
Jin San and Tianzhu's expressions shifted slightly, but Butler Lin came hurrying over. Seeing Jiang Ruan, he seemed momentarily stunned, as if surprised by her early return. After a pause, he said, "Young madam, why have you returned so early?"
Pretending not to notice the unusual atmosphere, Jiang Ruan remained composed. "I'm a little tired. Butler Lin, I'll rest in the study. Any matters can wait until Xiao Shao returns."
At the mention of the "study," Butler Lin hesitated again. Among the unfamiliar guards, their leader suddenly spoke up. "The Princess Consort must not enter the study."
Jiang Ruan ignored him, as if she hadn't heard, and stepped forward toward the study. The guard captain's expression darkened, and he swiftly blocked her path, his voice firm. "Please step aside, Princess Consort."
Jiang Ruan regarded him calmly, her gaze steady and devoid of any emotion, simply watching him in silence. Under her scrutiny, the man finally faltered. Only then did Jiang Ruan speak coolly, "Butler Lin, are these new guards? They seem quite ignorant of propriety.""I am not a newly recruited guard," the guard leader replied. Having served for many years, he had encountered all sorts of high-ranking officials, most of whom would at least show him some courtesy. This was the first time someone had so unhesitatingly slapped him in the face—figuratively speaking. Though somewhat embarrassed, he maintained his composure and didn’t stubbornly argue with Jiang Ruan. His expression remained thoroughly humble.
"How strange," Jiang Ruan smiled. "If you’re an outsider from another estate, then you have no business interfering in the affairs of Brocade Hero King Manor. No matter how influential your master may be, unless his surname is Xiao, he has no right to meddle here." Her tone was indifferent.
The guard was startled and scrutinized Jiang Ruan with a probing gaze. She met his eyes calmly, and a chill ran down his spine. He realized she had likely deduced the identity of the person inside—yet even so, how could she dare to speak this way?
Coldness settled in Jiang Ruan’s heart. She had indeed guessed who was inside, and though she didn’t fully understand the situation, a faint disgust welled up within her. Under normal circumstances, she might have simply avoided the encounter and walked away. But now, with Brocade Hero King Manor involved, she felt displeasure rise. In her past life, though that person hadn’t been the primary culprit, ever since then, she had harbored deep disdain for that entire lineage. In this life, she had avoided them whenever possible—yet now, it seemed fate insisted on entangling them again. But what right did they have to interfere in others' lives?
Jiang Ruan smiled again, though her expression held no warmth—only an unyielding authority. "Esteemed guard from another estate, will you step aside now?"
"This…" The guard had intended to refuse outright, but under Jiang Ruan’s piercing gaze, the words died in his throat. He remembered that this was the woman who had even sued her own father in court—a woman who disregarded societal norms and propriety, whose temperament was undoubtedly bold and unrestrained.
"Young Madam, please come in," Butler Lin interjected with a smile. "The manor is your home. You may go wherever you wish—how could there be any place in your own home you’re barred from? The Young Master is in the study. You must be tired today; later, this old servant will have the kitchen prepare some sweet soup for you." His tone was amiable, but the guard leader stared at him in disbelief and blurted, "You—"
"I’ll take responsibility for any consequences," Butler Lin cut in impatiently. "Besides, the Young Madam is right. The Xiao family’s affairs are none of your concern. Outsiders should refrain from meddling." His words were firm, even bordering on rudeness. Though Butler Lin was usually unreliable when it came to Xiao Shao’s matters, as a butler, he was typically quite diplomatic. For him to speak so bluntly today was highly unusual.
The guards behind their leader bristled with indignation, as if insulted on behalf of their master, nearly stepping forward to argue. But before they could, Jin San and Tianzhu suddenly moved to shield Jiang Ruan, their expressions turning slightly wary. "Young Madam, you should go ahead," they urged. "No need to stand here and risk catching a chill."The Brocade Hero King Manor's reputation for shielding its own was well-known, but no one expected such protection to extend to a newly wedded princess consort. The guards had never been treated like this in their lives, and their anger was palpable. Yet causing trouble within the manor would only bring them more disadvantage—with countless Brocade-clad Guards and shadow guards around, they could only watch in fury as Jiang Ruan walked away unscathed.
Butler Lin followed closely behind Jiang Ruan, his usually lively and cheerful demeanor replaced by an uncharacteristic tension. With a stern expression, he said, "Young Madam, now that you've entered the manor, you are part of the Xiao family, united with the young master. There are things about him you should know."
He clearly had more to say, and Jiang Ruan remained silent, waiting for him to continue. True enough, Butler Lin went on, "The young master has had a difficult life. Outsiders only see his glory, but I've watched him grow from infancy to the man he is today. He isn't one to share his burdens. Shortly after the old prince and princess met their misfortune, the young master took charge of the Brocade-clad Guards and later ventured alone to the Southern Borderlands. He returned alive, but barely—his injuries were so severe that Xia Wu spent three sleepless days treating them."
"Many in the capital want the young master dead—some from the Southern Borderlands, others from the Da Jin Dynasty, all kinds of people. To protect the Brocade-clad Guards, he has endured untold suffering over the years. Seeing him finally married brings me great relief. His nature is such that he disregards everything, living only for duty. But now, for the first time, he has something he wishes to hold onto, and it makes him seem more like an ordinary young man." Butler Lin glanced at Jiang Ruan, his mustache twitching slightly. "Young Madam, you are a good woman. When Jin San and the others mentioned that the young master treated you differently, I knew—only you could help him. Our Brocade Hero King Manor may seem indestructible, standing firm through the storms of the Da Jin Dynasty, but the burdens it bears are immense. Ordinary noblewomen couldn't endure it, but you can."
By the time he finished speaking, they had reached the study door. Butler Lin stopped and turned to Jiang Ruan with solemn gravity. "Young Madam, in this world, only you can stand by his side."
Jiang Ruan halted as well. The study door was slightly ajar, and curiously, not a single guard was in sight—clearly, everyone had been deliberately dismissed.
From within, voices carried clearly to their ears. One voice, deep and commanding, was unmistakably familiar, though now strained with barely contained fury, its usual composure shattered: "Don't persist in this delusion! What is so special about that woman? The entire court knows she accused her own father—what do the people of the Da Jin Dynasty think of her? And what do they think of you? I tolerated this marriage because I thought if you were happy and she behaved, I could endure it. But look at her—stirring up such turmoil, thrusting you into the eye of the storm! Is this how a wife should act?"Upon arrival, what greeted them was an accusation against Jiang Ruan. Butler Lin felt somewhat embarrassed and couldn't help but sneak a glance at Jiang Ruan's expression. Her face remained calm, showing no discomfort at being criticized. She didn't even display a hint of surprise upon hearing the voice, as if she had already known who was inside.
Jiang Ruan listened silently. The person inside was indeed who she had imagined—the current Emperor. Long before she married Xiao Shao, when they had just met, she had sensed the Emperor's unusual attitude toward Xiao Shao, as well as Empress Dowager Yide's. However, one thing was certain: both of them treated Xiao Shao with extraordinary tolerance. This was why, even though the old Jinying Wang and his wife had been accused of treason, Xiao Shao remained unharmed and even enjoyed the Emperor's deep trust. Though she didn't know the exact reason, Jiang Ruan had a vague suspicion that it wasn't because the Emperor was a wise ruler who valued talent. No ruler would tolerate the descendants of rebels serving in court—there must be some deeper reason.
Following the Emperor's furious outburst came Xiao Shao's cold voice: "Your Majesty, this is my family matter."
"Silence!" The Emperor seemed provoked. "Don't forget your surname! You don't bear the name Xiao—your blood is of the Xuan family! What family matter? Your family matter is my family matter!"
Jiang Ruan's eyes widened in shock. Despite her usual composure, she couldn't help but be stunned by these words. The voices inside were unmistakably clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding. She had considered countless possibilities, but never this one. Xiao Shao—Xuan Shao?
"Your Majesty need not insist," Xiao Shao replied indifferently. "I have no ties to the royal family. Please choose your words carefully." His tone was icy, bordering on defiance.
"This is not up to you!" The Emperor snorted coldly. "I've done so much for you, hiding you in the Brocade Hero King Manor all these years without restoring your true identity or revealing the secret—all to pave the way. One day, the throne of the Da Jin Dynasty will be yours. You are of the royal blood, the future crown prince of Da Jin! How dare you say there's no connection?"
Butler Lin lowered his head, not daring to look at Jiang Ruan's expression. She clenched her fists but gradually steadied herself. So, in her past life, when Xiao Shao killed Xuan Li and ascended the throne, it was because he was originally of the royal family? And the Emperor had always intended to pass the throne to him?
"There is a distinction between ruler and subject," Xiao Shao remained unmoved. "Your Majesty's throne should be entrusted to someone more capable. I will not accept your arrangement."
"You... obstinate fool!" The Emperor was so angry he nearly stomped his feet. Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, he changed his tone. "Is it because of that girl that you refuse the throne? I've heard you dote on her exclusively—how can this be? I thought it was just youthful infatuation, but if you truly love her, marrying her is one thing. But to favor her alone—how will you command respect in the future? The people of Da Jin do not need an emperor obsessed with romance!"
"I've said it before," Xiao Shao's voice hardened noticeably at the mention of Jiang Ruan. "I do not agree to your arrangement. Your Majesty should find someone else."Not only was Xiao Shao displeased, but Butler Lin's face also showed signs of discontent. What kind of presence was Jiang Ruan in the Brocade Hero King Manor now? She was the universally respected young mistress. What did the Emperor mean by dismissing her so abruptly? Even the Emperor couldn't casually deny someone's merits, especially when it concerned the young mistress whom everyone unanimously regarded as perfect.
The three inside and outside the room were all displeased, yet Jiang Ruan alone remained the calmest. She wasn’t saddened by this—since ancient times, she had never been favored by the Emperor, and she cared not for it in this life or the last.
"Ah Shao," the Emperor suddenly softened his tone, sounding as if he had conceded defeat, "Have you forgotten your father? I promised him—"
"Your Majesty," Xiao Shao interrupted, his tone abruptly sharp, "You also promised my mother."
The Emperor abruptly fell silent.
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