"Ye Li had his grand ambitions to fulfill. He wanted me to be a compliant pawn in the palace, to accomplish tasks inconvenient for him through my hands. And indeed, he succeeded. That day, they killed the Emperor but pinned all the blame on me—accusing me of poisoning His Majesty, branding me as the nation-destroying enchantress." Her palms grew damp with sweat, yet her body turned cold. "They pushed me down the nine-tiered imperial steps. My own father personally ordered my arrest. He never intended to protect me as he had promised. All he wanted was a stepping stone. Once the path was paved, the stone became useless."
"A Ruan..." Xiao Shao couldn't help but hold her tighter, heartbroken and shocked by her words. Yet there was nothing he could do but offer whispered comfort, though he knew deep down such solace was meaningless to the Jiang Ruan of that time.
"Xiao Shao, do you think it ended there?" Jiang Ruan shook her head with a bitter smile. "My hell had only just begun. I was thrown into the Heavenly Prison, but someone rescued me from the death row cell. I thought I had escaped, only to realize the torment was just starting. Jiang Susu told me that every single one of the hundred lives in the General's Residence had been executed as traitors after Ye Li ascended the throne. She told me my elder brother was murdered, my mother was murdered—all by the sisters and kin I had once trusted. She said she had long resented me for occupying the position of the legitimate daughter. So on that day, she gouged out my eyes, cut off my nose, ripped out my tongue, severed my limbs, and turned me into a human pig. Xiao Shao, as the leader of the Brocade-clad Guards all these years, you know what a human pig is. I became a grotesque monster, so repulsive that even a glance would sicken anyone."
"A Ruan!" Xiao Shao couldn't suppress his exclamation. He took a deep breath. He had always known that extraordinary strength of will stemmed from extraordinary suffering—Jiang Ruan's resilience was beyond the ordinary, and thus her pain must have been beyond comprehension. Yet no speculation could compare to hearing her recount it herself. In that moment, he felt her agony and despair as if it were his own. He understood now why she harbored such hatred for the Xia Family and Jiang Quan. Had it been him, his hatred would have been no less. Xiao Shao, usually cold and unmoved by anything, felt a flicker of fear. What if he were to lose Jiang Ruan now?
Jiang Ruan remained still, letting him hold her tightly as she continued slowly, "...Later, she had me handed over to Li Dong. In the Prime Minister's residence, before my very eyes, I watched as Pei Er was..." Her voice finally broke, choked with sobs. "I could endure anything directed at me, but they wouldn't even spare a child. In this lifetime, I will never forgive them! The pain they inflicted on me will forever be etched in my memory. In this life, I exist for revenge!" She looked at Xiao Shao and said slowly, "In the eighteenth year of Huide, Jiang Susu became Empress, Jiang Quan was promoted to the highest rank, the Xia Family rose to prominence, and I... died.""I died under the random blows of the Prime Minister's servants, and when I opened my eyes again, I found myself back at the village estate. I'm grateful—this was heaven giving me another chance. I struggled to climb upward, met Imperial Censor Wang, saved my elder brother, and helped the General's Residence avoid disaster. Everything I've done was to prevent the tragedies of my past life from recurring. Everything I've done was just to return and settle a blood debt." She looked at Xiao Shao, tears gradually welling in her eyes. "I'm a dead person, Xiao Shao. Do you understand?"
Such words were enough to make one's heart race with fear, yet Xiao Shao simply gazed at her before suddenly pulling her back into his embrace. He held her tightly, her delicate frame in his arms as fragile as a newborn creature, easily broken with the slightest force. His jaw clenched, his handsome features strained with restraint, his eyes slightly reddened. Yet his voice remained calm, carrying the same unquestionable tone as always. "I understand. But I don't care."
"You are my wife. You are part of the Xiao family. I won’t dislike you for this, nor will I see you as an outsider. I only regret—regret that in your past life, I didn’t meet you sooner." He took a sharp breath before continuing, "I regret that in that lifetime, I missed my chance, letting you suffer so much."
Jiang Ruan froze for a moment before slowly wrapping her arms around his waist. With a smile tinged with sorrow, she murmured, "Silly, what does any of that have to do with you?"
The usually ruthless and invincible leader of the Brocade-clad Guards showed no displeasure at being called "silly." At this moment, Xiao Shao only wanted to shield the woman before him forever. The mere thought of losing her in some lifetime he knew nothing about made his heart ache so fiercely he could barely breathe. And every understated mention of the suffering she had endured in her past was like a slow execution to his present self. He had never known his princess consort carried so many secrets. In this life, she had returned burdened by them, living only for vengeance. How lonely and desolate those years must have been, carrying secrets no one else knew. He dared not dwell on it.
Jiang Ruan slowly loosened her grip and tilted her head to look up at him. The young man leaned down slightly, his dark eyes as calm and gentle as ever, radiating a reassurance that soothed at a glance. There was not a trace of avoidance or disgust in his gaze—only sincerity. Suddenly, Jiang Ruan reached out, encircled his neck, and hugged him tightly.
"Fortunately, in this lifetime, you didn’t miss me... and neither did I."
...
Butler Lin had been pacing restlessly outside for what felt like an eternity before finally deciding to check on the situation inside. He cautiously stood by the study door, poking a small hole in the latticed window to peek inside—only to freeze in shock. He leaped back in a single breath, retreating all the way into the courtyard.
Jin Si watched him curiously. "Old Lin, did the master and the princess consort argue? Why are you running away?"Butler Lin didn't catch her words, only furrowing his brows in deep thought. How did the conversation suddenly lead to kissing? The matter their master wanted to discuss should have been serious—how could it have derailed to this extent? Unless... Old Lin's eyes suddenly lit up—had the manual hidden under Xiao Shao's bedding by his orders been discovered by the princess? The princess truly was a heroine among women, but wasn't the study too bold a place for such things? Still, this might be for the best. If they could soon produce a young heir for the Brocade Hero King Manor, nothing could be more ideal. They just mustn't be discovered.
Butler Lin's expression shifted as he solemnly addressed Jin Si, "The princess and our master are discussing important matters in the study. Do not disturb them. If those imperial... guards come to cause trouble again, drive them out with clubs. Not just anyone can act recklessly in this manor." With that, he headed toward the kitchen, muttering, "I must instruct the cooks to prepare some nourishing dishes. The princess must be exhausted by now."
Jin Si shrugged. Jin Three emerged from behind and scratched his head, "Why do I feel Old Lin is the one who's gone off track?"
The night was deep, heavy with dew, and pitch black. Yet in one corner of the palace, lights blazed brightly. Within the lavish bedchamber, a woman sat alone before her dressing mirror, irritably combing her long black hair.
Jiang Dan instinctively glanced at her reflection. The woman in the mirror was in the prime of her youth, yet with her face cleansed at night and stripped of ornate accessories, her once lovely features now appeared somewhat pale and weary. Slowly, she raised a hand painted with rouge to touch her face. How long could such youthful beauty last? If she didn't seize something while still young and beautiful, how could she ever be content?
Thinking of the news Zhu'er had brought back today—that Jiang Quan was being guarded so tightly in the Heavenly Prison that her people couldn't find any opportunity to act—it was clear their opponents had prepared thoroughly. The more this was so, the more uneasy Jiang Dan grew. Every day Jiang Quan remained alive was a potential threat to her. Her understanding of Jiang Ruan told her that Jiang Ruan would never let her off easily. Keeping Jiang Quan alive now served as the best leverage. But if she couldn't act against Jiang Quan, what else could she do?
Jiang Dan sighed, her gaze falling on the flickering candle flame before her. The letter she had just burned was now unrecognizable, reduced to ashes, yet its contents were seared into her mind. She had sent a message to Ye Li, probing whether he might wish to eliminate Jinying Wang Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan. She knew Ye Li wouldn't see Jiang Ruan, a mere woman, as a worthy opponent, nor would he expend much effort against her. The only opening was through Xiao Shao. From her position in the palace, Jiang Dan believed she understood court politics clearly. If Ye Li wanted to claim the throne, Xiao Shao was an obstacle. Though they currently avoided direct conflict due to Xiao Shao's neutrality, eventually, Ye Li wouldn't tolerate such a thorn in his side.
No emperor liked a subject whose power surpassed his own. Jiang Dan had assumed Ye Li would be eager to deal with Xiao Shao. Once Xiao Shao was handled, Jiang Ruan could be implicated by association. In matters of state, even Empress Dowager Yide couldn't save her. Yet Ye Li's reply had been succinct—he refused Jiang Dan's proposal. He would not move against Xiao Shao.Jiang Dan was both puzzled and furious, yet utterly helpless. In this transaction with Ye Li, she had always been passive, lacking sufficient leverage to negotiate on equal footing. Moreover, Ye Li was extremely cautious—even their correspondence bore no distinctive marks, devoid of seals or recognizable handwriting, leaving nothing that could be used as leverage against him.
Time was running out. Before Jiang Quan's sentencing was finalized, Jiang Ruan would surely make a move against her. Jiang Dan gazed at the woman in the mirror—everything she had now was painstakingly earned through sheer determination. She had endured humiliation and submission in the Minister's residence, all for the sake of one day rising above her station. As fellow illegitimate daughters, Jiang Li had met her end, and even Jiang Susu, the legitimate daughter, was now but a fleeting shadow. Yet she had fought tooth and nail to reach this height—how could she let it all slip away?
Slowly, she extended her index finger, dragging her blood-red nail harshly across the bronze mirror, producing a sharp, grating screech. A trace of ruthlessness flickered in her eyes. No matter what, the only solution was to eliminate the threat once and for all.
...
Early the next morning, in the Imperial Garden, Liu Min and Ye Pei were walking toward the Southern Garden while conversing. The Emperor had just tested Ye Pei on his studies in the imperial study. His Majesty had been in a foul mood lately—even his favored consorts dared not provoke him. Liu Min suspected this had something to do with Jiang Ruan, whose lawsuit against her own father had become the talk of the Da Jin Dynasty. Some criticized her for defying filial piety, while others argued her actions were justified. To Liu Min, Jiang Ruan had her reasons. Besides, Jiang Quan's deeds were indeed despicable—having such a father might as well mean having none at all.
When the Emperor was in a bad mood, only Ye Pei could lift his spirits. Reflecting on this, Liu Min cast a surprised glance at the boy. Despite his youth, Ye Pei seemed to have an uncanny ability to read people's hearts. It was often said that the Emperor's mind was inscrutable, yet in Liu Min's eyes, Ye Pei had it all figured out. A mere frown from the Emperor, and he knew exactly what to say to ease the tension. Naturally intelligent and always armed with soothing words, Ye Pei had become indispensable to the Emperor. Even a faction of previously neutral senior court officials had begun considering aligning themselves with him.
Noticing Liu Min's gaze, Ye Pei looked up with a faint smile. "What is Grand Tutor Liu thinking about?"
Liu Min snapped out of his thoughts. Though he still held the title of Grand Tutor, he no longer instructed the Crown Prince, spending his days teaching the Thirteenth Prince instead. The Empress had voiced her displeasure, but there was little to be done—the Crown Prince was simply not cut out for scholarly pursuits. Besides, Liu Min found teaching Ye Pei far more effortless. When it came to analyzing court affairs, Ye Pei often demonstrated keener insight than even seasoned officials like himself. Most princes viewed the political landscape from the top down, detached from the common people, but Ye Pei took the opposite approach—observing from the bottom up, he discerned the struggles of the populace and lower-ranking officials. His brilliance frequently seemed beyond his years.
"This humble official was thinking that Your Highness answered exceptionally well before His Majesty today. Your studies must have progressed considerably," Liu Min replied with a smile."Grand Tutor Liu, do you know the consequences of deceiving this prince?" Ye Pei raised an eyebrow. "Your dishonesty is rather displeasing."
Liu Min was startled. He always felt Ye Pei possessed an uncanny intuition for reading people, somewhat similar to Jiang Ruan's abilities. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed a lavishly dressed woman approaching from afar, followed by several palace maids. Ye Pei followed his gaze and unconsciously frowned, appearing visibly disgusted for a moment before replacing it with an innocent smile.
The woman also noticed them, pausing briefly before continuing forward. When she reached them, she curtsied with a smile. "Thirteenth Prince, Grand Tutor Liu."
"Consort Jiang." Ye Pei smiled slightly and nodded. As a prince, he wasn't required to bow to Jiang Dan, whose rank was beneath his. Though it was a natural gesture, when performed by Ye Pei, it carried a faint hint of disdain, as if he didn't regard her at all.
Jiang Dan remained unfazed, maintaining her gentle and warm smile. "The Thirteenth Prince must have just come from His Majesty's study? His Majesty often mentions you to me these days. He's very pleased with your academic progress." Her expression was sincere, and unlike Wang Lian'er or Mu Xirou, she never put on airs, making her seem genuinely kind as she spoke softly, as if truly speaking on Ye Pei's behalf.
But Ye Pei had never been one to fall for such tactics. He flashed a charming smile, revealing neat, snow-white teeth. "Consort Jiang has quite the insight into His Majesty's thoughts—even this prince's whereabouts seem to be under your thorough surveillance." Ignoring Jiang Dan's slightly stiffened expression, he added casually, "If His Majesty knew how attentively you follow this prince's movements, he'd surely be touched."
Jiang Dan forced a smile. "Your Highness, what do you mean? This humble consort wouldn't dare..." If Ye Pei's words reached the Emperor's ears, who knew what storms they might stir? The palace was already a volatile battleground, with tensions rising among the princes. The Emperor abhorred any hint of political meddling from the inner court. If he learned she had been tracking his and the princes' movements, what would he think? Would he suspect her of ulterior motives? Jiang Dan seethed with silent fury. This Thirteenth Prince was nothing but a smiling tiger—outwardly refined and harmless, yet brimming with cunning schemes despite his youth. His words were always laced with lethal precision, ruthlessly cutting deep.
A prince like him, if she could forge a connection, might secure her future. But alas! Jiang Dan gnashed her teeth in frustration—Ye Pei was inexplicably close to that wretched Jiang Ruan! Though the two seemed to have no prior ties, when Jiang Ruan was falsely accused of murdering Princess Heyi, Ye Pei had spared no effort to help her. Whenever he visited Empress Dowager Yide and encountered Jiang Ruan, they would exchange words, never treating her with the same sharp barbs he reserved for Jiang Dan. Jiang Dan had always been adept at discerning subtle relationships, yet she couldn't fathom how Jiang Ruan had won Ye Pei's favor. Despite being unrelated by blood, their bond was infuriatingly strong—enough to make her grind her teeth in envy.For instance, at this moment, Jiang Dan firmly believed that Ye Pei's deliberate disregard for her overtures and his subsequent disdain must be related to Jiang Ruan. She took a deep breath to calm the frustration in her heart before saying, "Your Highness must have other matters to attend to. This concubine shall not disturb you further."
"Consort Jiang is indeed considerate, no wonder Father Emperor favors you," Ye Pei remarked meaningfully, giving her a glance. "But being too considerate isn’t necessarily a good thing."
With that, Ye Pei walked past Jiang Dan without another look. Jiang Dan dared not linger. She felt his gaze was eerily familiar—just like Jiang Ruan’s. Every time those eyes fell upon her, it was as if all her thoughts were laid bare. And everything she had done seemed nothing more than a clown’s antics, leaving behind nothing but ridicule.
She hurried forward, so distracted that she collided headlong with someone. The eunuch beside the person shouted angrily, "Who dares be so blind? You’ve offended the Fifth Prince!"
Jiang Dan froze and looked up. Indeed, the man before her was Ye Hua. The eunuch recognized her and quickly apologized, "Ah, it’s Consort Jiang."
Ye Hua had been behaving impeccably in court recently, with no further disturbances. But judging from Ye Li’s actions, it was clear Ye Hua hadn’t truly settled down. Jiang Dan’s mind raced. Recalling the fear Ye Pei had instilled in her and her own anxiety over Jiang Ruan’s inaction, a sudden idea struck her. Before Ye Hua could speak, she smiled softly and said, "Fifth Prince."
Knowing Jiang Dan was currently favored by the Emperor, Ye Hua didn’t make things difficult for her. "Consort Jiang," he acknowledged.
"His Majesty mentioned Your Highness just yesterday, and today you appear. What a coincidence," Jiang Dan said with a smile.
Ye Hua was taken aback. Ever since his previous misconduct, the Emperor’s attitude toward him had cooled. Lately, he had been feigning obedience, at least avoiding open conflicts with Ye Li. Now that Jiang Dan brought this up, his interest was piqued. He couldn’t help but ask, "Father Emperor... truly mentioned me?"
"Of course," Jiang Dan blinked. "In fact, this concubine feels a certain kinship with Your Highness. Why don’t we play a game of chess in the pavilion over there? We can discuss this further. His Majesty has shared many amusing stories about you with me."
Ye Hua was no fool. The Emperor might have mentioned him, but he would never have recounted anecdotes to Jiang Dan. Her words were clearly a pretext for something else. Though suspicious of her motives, he couldn’t decipher what she was plotting. Yet, observing her expression, he finally smiled and said, "Very well. This prince happens to be in the mood for chess. Consort Jiang, after you."
There was nothing improper about a prince and a consort playing a game of chess in passing. Jiang Dan and Ye Hua made their way to a pavilion in the Imperial Garden, where a chess set was permanently kept. They arranged the board while eunuchs and maids stood at a distance. Black and white stones landed on the board, but the players' minds were far from the game."Your Highness, please speak plainly." After moving three pieces, Ye Hua couldn't help but blurt out impatiently. His temperament was far less adept at restraint compared to Ye Li's, showing remarkable impatience. It was hard to imagine that someone as composed as De Fei could have given birth to someone as impulsive as Ye Hua.
Jiang Dan smiled playfully, though her words carried a sharp edge: "His Majesty currently has only four princes. When the Fifth Prince is mentioned, others naturally come up as well. But recently, the Thirteenth Prince has been brought up quite often."
Ye Hua frowned. "The Thirteenth Prince?" His heart suddenly skipped a beat—Ye Pei's reputation in the court had been growing stronger, and it was said the Emperor had taken an increasing liking to him. Ye Hua had assumed it was merely baseless gossip; after all, a prince without a mother, no matter how favored by the Emperor, could never be qualified to become the Crown Prince. But Jiang Dan's next words shocked him even more. She said, "His Majesty has taken particular pity on the Thirteenth Prince lately, perhaps seeing him as pitiable for having lost his mother at such a young age. He has even privately gathered some senior ministers to properly support him."
Using a group of veteran ministers to assist a prince—the underlying intention was clear at a glance. It was paving the way for the future Crown Prince of the Jin Dynasty, cultivating talents for Ye Pei. With a sharp click , Ye Hua placed a black piece on the board and sneered, "Consort Jiang certainly has a way with words."
"If the Fifth Prince does not believe me, then I have nothing more to say," Jiang Dan replied, placing a white piece immediately after. "But as a woman in the palace, I see things clearly. I, too, wish to find someone to rely on. Though His Majesty treats me well, there will come a day when he can no longer protect me. To speak out of turn—after a hundred years, who will shield me then?"
Ye Hua's voice darkened at her words. "Consort Jiang, such talk is indeed presumptuous. You think too far ahead."
Jiang Dan smiled faintly. "The Thirteenth Prince has grown increasingly favored by His Majesty. As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. Liu Min, the Grand Tutor, was originally the Crown Prince's tutor. Yet this morning, as I passed through the gardens, I saw him with the Thirteenth Prince. His Majesty has already assigned Grand Tutor Liu to the Thirteenth Prince. This... is quite deliberate."
Liu Min was a rising star in the court. Most young officials who directly served the Emperor were reserved for the next ruler. Ye Hua had long known that Liu Min had been given to Ye Pei, but hearing Jiang Dan lay it out so bluntly made the frustration he'd suppressed these past days nearly unbearable. He placed a black piece haphazardly and muttered, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"The Thirteenth Prince is very close to my elder sister. Unfortunately, my sister and I had a falling out years ago, and now we are like fire and water. The Thirteenth Prince sees me as a thorn in his side. As for the Eighth Prince, he seeks to win over Jinying Wang and looks down on me. After much thought, it seems in this vast palace, only the Fifth Prince can offer me protection." Jiang Dan's eyes dimmed. Petite by nature and accustomed to playing the delicate damsel, her demeanor was undeniably effective in stirring a man's protective instincts. Ye Hua, after all, was still a man. Having encountered countless beauties over the years, he found Jiang Dan genuinely alluring. His tone softened slightly as he chuckled, "Why do you believe only I can protect you?"
(End of Chapter)
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