A Dream within a Dream

"This is something they sacrificed their lives to obtain, and I must protect it," Xiao Shao said solemnly.

"They" referred to Hongxi Crown Prince and Xiang Xiaoyuan, or perhaps the Jinying Wang couple—one pair being Xiao Shao's birth parents, the other his adoptive parents, yet both loved him equally. Xiao Shao's words held truth: the kingdom his closest kin had exchanged their lives for—even if he didn't ascend to that position himself—was something he couldn't bear to see decline and be seized by outsiders.

"Do you hate him?" Jiang Ruan asked. She meant the Emperor. If not for him, Xiang Xiaoyuan wouldn't have met misfortune, and Hongxi Crown Prince wouldn't have left the capital in despair to quell rebellions with a heart set on mutual destruction. If not for the Emperor, Xiao Shao's origins would have remained a secret forever. He might have remained simply Prince Xiao of Brocade Hero King Manor, just a slightly aloof young man. The Jinying Wang couple might still be alive.

"It doesn't matter," Xiao Shao replied.

Jiang Ruan's hand paused slightly before she smiled. "In that case, you and I are somewhat alike. I once thought I wasn't worthy of you, but now I feel... perhaps it's not so bad after all. You once said you wished to help me seek vengeance. Ah-Shao, your vengeance—I'll remember it for you too."

It was rare for her to call Xiao Shao "Ah-Shao" so tenderly. He froze for a moment before murmuring a soft "Mm." Wanting to pull him from the weight of those memories, Jiang Ruan changed the subject. "In that case, Butler Lin isn't an ordinary person either, is he? Was he... your father's former subordinate?"

"He was originally the Tanhua of the previous dynasty," Xiao Shao said. "After my father passed, he entered Brocade Hero King Manor as the butler, living under an assumed name."

Jiang Ruan was astonished. "Tanhua?"

To elaborate, Butler Lin's original name was Lin Wei. Born into poverty, he had been recognized by Hongxi Crown Prince, who funded his studies at the Imperial Academy. As a young Tanhua, he had been dashing and elegant, a youth in splendid attire who once rode proud steeds. He and Hongxi Crown Prince had been close confidants. Before his death, Hongxi Crown Prince entrusted Xiao Shao to Jinying Wang. At the time, Lin Wei had no remaining family, so he severed his own official career, claiming he would retire from public life. Instead, he assumed a new identity and even took a potion prepared by Mr. Yaqi to alter his appearance, becoming Butler Lin to care for Xiao Shao. Over the years, though he seemed unreliable, he had silently aided Xiao Shao in countless ways. Where the Jinying Wang couple had been negligent, Butler Lin was meticulous. A man of profound learning, he pretended to be coarse and ignorant. No one would connect the eccentric, garrulous, and vulgar figure before them with the handsome Tanhua of the previous dynasty. Butler Lin protected and guided Xiao Shao in his own covert way—a man of great righteousness and wisdom.

Soon, the annual royal hunt arrived. Before the New Year's Eve, the imperial family sought auspicious beginnings by heading to the hunting grounds. All noble youths and ministers were to participate, both to dispel the year's misfortunes and to unwind.

The hunting grounds were in Beiguang Forest, a place of towering mountains and deep valleys with treacherous terrain, yet teeming with rare birds and beasts—a rare challenge for these privileged scions of nobility. This year's event was livelier than ever.Jiang Dan had finally persuaded the Emperor to take her along as well. On this day, the palace maids had carefully selected her attire early in the morning. Since she was now an imperial consort and no longer a nobleman's daughter, she couldn't wear the bright riding outfits like the others. In the end, dressed in an exquisite and luxurious gown, Jiang Dan looked at the woman in the mirror and finally, with some frustration, yanked off the pearl-adorned hairpin from her hair, saying, "What is this? This hairpin looks far too old-fashioned. Do you truly believe this consort should wear such a thing?"

The maid was startled and immediately knelt to beg for mercy. In truth, there was nothing wrong with the hairpin—it was commonly used among the palace women. This particular one was of excellent quality, a reward given in recognition of the Emperor's current favor toward her. Yet Jiang Dan was irate and began rummaging through her jewelry box herself, dissatisfied with the array of pearls, jade, and enamel ornaments inside. Unlike Jiang Li, while Jiang Dan pursued higher status, she didn't vulgarize herself by flaunting wealth like her sister did. She cherished and protected her youthful beauty. Now, as the Emperor's consort, she had to constantly mind her position, unable to dress like a young girl. Sometimes, she even felt that the young maids around her appeared more youthful than she did.

Entering the palace, living with a man old enough to be her father, competing with countless women for his favor, and having to dress even more maturely than her peers—why? She was, after all, still in the bloom of youth. Her gaze fell on a bright red velvet flower in the jewelry box, and suddenly, she thought of Jiang Ruan.

She was also a daughter of the Jiang family, yet Jiang Ruan could wear whatever she pleased without worrying about propriety. Even as a first-rank Imperial Mandate holder and the Princess of Brocade Glory, she could dress like any other young girl because Xiao Shao wouldn't mind such things. Not only that, but Xiao Shao was also much younger than the Emperor—just the right age, handsome and dashing. Why was Jiang Ruan so fortunate? Even when Xia Yan had driven her to the brink, she had the luck to turn things around, while Jiang Dan had to sell her youth and freedom for temporary status. Worse still, the wealth and luxury before her were as fleeting as flowers in a mirror, ready to vanish at any moment.

"Your Highness...?" The maid, seeing her prolonged silence and the almost sinister expression on her face, grew uneasy and spoke up to remind her.

Jiang Dan snapped out of her thoughts and slowly clenched the bright red velvet flower tightly in her hand. Her grip was so strong it nearly crushed the petals, yet a strange smile curled at the corners of her lips.

It didn't matter. No matter what, everything would soon be over. Once this matter was settled, she would be the only daughter of the Jiang family left in this world. Nothing would ever threaten her again. She would forever remain high above, a ruler among people.

...

At the Brocade Hero King Manor, Jiang Ruan stared at the bulging bundle before her with a headache, then glanced at Xiao Shao. Xiao Shao, however, deliberately turned his head away, pretending not to notice her silent plea.Butler Lin continued to chatter on, "Princess Consort, these are pastries specially prepared by the kitchen at my request, along with osmanthus wine. Since you young newlyweds are going out for a proper excursion for the first time, it's only right to bring some food and drinks. But fearing you might drink too much, I've also prepared some sobering soup with a bit of honey added—it won’t be hard to swallow and has a sweet, lingering taste. Oh, and there are a few poetry collections and miscellaneous notes that might come in handy. I’ve already had someone carry the zither onto the carriage as well. Playing the zither in the wild is quite an elegant pastime. Wait, there are also some medicines, cough—ah, let me think if there’s anything else we haven’t loaded yet. Perhaps we should prepare some camping supplies—how about candlesticks? They’d look lovely lit up at night."

Jiang Ruan felt the urge to find something to shut Butler Lin’s mouth. Ever since Xiao Shao had revealed his true background, she could no longer look at Butler Lin the same way. Occasionally, when she saw his wrinkled old face, she couldn’t help but want to tug at his skin—preferably yanking it right off to see if the face underneath was indeed as dashingly handsome as the rumors claimed.

Regardless of his true appearance, it took a special kind of person to chatter more than a nursemaid while hiding the identity of a former imperial scholar. Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but admire Butler Lin for it. Even if he went out into the streets and proclaimed himself a former imperial scholar, no one would believe him—the disparity was simply too great.

Jiang Ruan finally interrupted him, "Butler Lin, we’re only going hunting, not on an excursion."

"Hunting is an excursion," Butler Lin waved his hand dismissively. "And while you’re at it, have His Highness hunt a few beasts for you to play with. Their pelts can be made into cloaks, and if there are cubs, perhaps you could keep them as pets. Your Highness, why not bring Tiger Tyrant along?"

"What’s the point of bringing a pigeon?" Luzhu interjected. Xiao Shao’s messenger snow pigeon being named "Tiger Tyrant" was indeed baffling. "Is there some message to deliver?"

"It could intimidate the prey," Butler Lin said. "Tiger Tyrant is very clever."

Luzhu fell silent, likely at a loss for how such a pigeon could possibly "intimidate" prey—confuse them, maybe. Was this the legendary beauty trap? Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the thought.

Xiao Shao turned to glance at her. Jiang Ruan chuckled and said, "Whatever. It’s getting late—let’s board the carriage first. The hunting grounds are waiting, and arriving late would only invite gossip."

Butler Lin bustled off to tidy up the carriage outside the estate. Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan stepped out of the house to find the sky clearing after the snow, the ground blanketed in white, and the trees adorned with glistening icicles—a scene straight out of a winter wonderland. Today, Jiang Ruan wore a riding outfit embroidered with gold and silver threads in a ruyi cloud pattern. The upper half was a fitted short jacket with a mandarin collar, while the lower half consisted of knee-length brocade trousers and fox-fur boots trimmed with white edging. Over it all, she wore a strikingly vibrant cloak made of fire-rat fur, which lent her usually radiant and charming face an air of dashing boldness, making her appear even more strikingly beautiful.In the snow-covered landscape, Xiao Shao still wore his dark cyan brocade robe, the hem embroidered with silver bat patterns, and over it, a black-gold crane-feather cloak of the same hue. His features were as exquisite as a painting, yet strikingly handsome and aloof, giving him the solitary grace of the moon in the sky. Jiang Ruan glanced at him and teased, "With looks like yours, if I took you to the hunting grounds, I’d think no prey could compare to you in value."

Xiao Shao raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her. "Prey?"

"I’d have to keep a close eye on you," Jiang Ruan said with a laugh before stepping into the carriage Butler Lin had prepared for them. Xiao Shao followed and settled in beside her. Once seated, Lianqiao and the others, along with Jin San and a few shadow guards, boarded the following carriage. Butler Lin gave meticulous instructions before finally lowering the curtain. With a crack of the driver’s whip, the carriage began its slow journey.

Beiguang Forest was over ten miles from the capital, and the terrain was complex, making the trip rather dull. Jiang Ruan eyed the small table in front of her. Butler Lin had arranged the carriage with great care—stepping inside felt like entering a wealthy family’s private pavilion. On the table sat a delicate wine jug and a few plates of pastries. Drinking in broad daylight?

The wine jug was charmingly crafted, its gilded surface adorned with raised figures so lifelike they seemed carved by a master artisan. Jiang Ruan turned the jug slightly, aligning the figures toward herself, and froze. The scene depicted two bare-bottomed individuals entwined. Even if she were a fool or half-blind, she couldn’t mistake what it represented. Before she could react, Xiao Shao suddenly snatched the jug from her hands and set it aside, calmly stating, "Nothing worth seeing."

Jiang Ruan thought for a moment, then picked up a nearby wine cup, hoping to lighten the mood. "This cup is also quite exquisitely made—" Her words trailed off as she stared at the figures etched onto it.

Xiao Shao silently took the cup away as well. Jiang Ruan scanned the carriage with wide eyes and soon realized that aside from the jug and cup, even the table legs, tablecloth, candlesticks, pastry box, and the carriage curtains hid similarly risqué imagery. The depictions were so vivid they could make one’s heart race.

Butler Lin had been too thoughtful. It was everywhere—perhaps he was the one best suited to lead the Brocade-clad Guards. His thoroughness was both impressive and exasperating. Jiang Ruan turned to Xiao Shao, whose face remained composed, though the tips of his ears reddened slightly. He averted his gaze awkwardly, then, perhaps realizing how transparent the gesture was, quickly looked back at her, feigning nonchalance as if to prove he wasn’t embarrassed.

Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but laugh. Xiao Shao’s attempts at bravado in certain matters, especially when he clung to his dignity at all costs, were absurdly endearing. Her laughter only irritated him further, and he abruptly pulled her into his arms, wrapping her tightly in his black-gold cloak.

"Stop laughing," he said coldly.

Jiang Ruan wasn’t afraid of him. In truth, there was little about Xiao Shao to fear—at most, he could put on a stern expression, though even that rarely held up around her. His intimidation was practically nonexistent.Xiao Shao raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly surprised that Jiang Ruan was becoming increasingly unrestrained these days. He tightened his grip on her and leaned in closer. Perhaps he had initially intended only to startle her, but somehow his gaze eventually settled on her lips, and his movements gradually softened.

Jiang Ruan watched quietly as his handsome face drew nearer. Others could never imagine what the usually aloof Xiao Shao looked like when moved by affection—only she had seen this side of him, as if all his cold detachment had melted away in an instant, leaving only an overwhelming tenderness. She slowly closed her eyes, but just then, the carriage jolted violently, nearly sending Jiang Ruan tumbling forward. Xiao Shao swiftly reached out to steady her, preventing her from hitting her head.

The coachman’s apologetic voice came from the front: "My lord, my lady, the horse kicked a loose stone just now. I hope it didn’t startle you."

Xiao Shao: "..."

Jiang Ruan burst into laughter. Xiao Shao watched her wordlessly as she laughed for a while before finally composing herself. She nudged him lightly and asked, "Seriously, are you nervous about this hunting trip?"

Xiao Shao pulled her back into his embrace, carefully wrapping her in his crane-feather cloak until only her delicate face remained visible. Softly, he replied, "Not at all."

Jiang Ruan let him hold her through the cloak and said, "But I am a little nervous. Jiang Dan will definitely take action this time. I heard from your Brocade-clad Guards that she’s already allied with Ye Hua. She moves quickly—saves me a lot of trouble."

"You don’t need to worry about anything," Xiao Shao said, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"I don’t have to worry—they’re rushing to their own doom," Jiang Ruan said coolly. "Jiang Dan scheming against me is understandable; our enmity was forged years ago, and in this life, it’s a fight to the death. But Pei Er—she dares to plot as well, and that truly displeases me. Now, I can’t wait to see her fail."

Xiao Shao tightened his embrace, resting his chin atop her head without a word. Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. His cloak was warm, and in her past life, she had once longed to attend the royal hunt. Back then, Jiang Susu could participate as an unmarried noble daughter, while she had been confined within the palace walls, yearning for a freedom forever out of reach. Now, reborn, she was finally going to a place she had never been before—only this time, it was to step into a battlefield.

This was indeed a hunt—everyone wanted to be the hunter, not the prey. She glanced at Xiao Shao, savoring the warmth beneath his cloak, and nestled closer to him. The most skilled hunter was right by her side; at least she had nothing to fear.

...

By afternoon, the carriage finally arrived at Beiguang Forest. Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao were the last to arrive, aside from the imperial entourage. This year’s royal hunting grounds were livelier than ever, with noble sons and daughters participating enthusiastically. The moment Jiang Ruan arrived, Lin Zixiang pulled her aside and said, "You’re so late! I thought you weren’t coming."

All around, noble daughters whispered and pointed as the Brocade Hero King Manor’s carriage arrived. When they caught sight of Xiao Shao, their gazes instantly turned adoring, lingering on him. But once Xiao Shao exchanged a few words with Jiang Ruan and walked over to the men’s side, the looks directed at Jiang Ruan became filled with hostility.Jiang Ruan was no fool; she naturally understood where this hostility stemmed from. She couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Is he really that popular? But back when we got married, he wasn't nearly as sought after as he is now."

"Fool," Lin Zixiang rolled her eyes at her. "Back then, everyone saw your Xiao Shao as cold and unapproachable, probably thinking they wouldn't even catch his eye. Who dared to speak up? So they suppressed their feelings. But now, seeing how gentle and devoted he is to you, not to mention his striking looks, they're all regretting it. Everyone's scrambling to squeeze into your manor."

Jiang Ruan thought it over and accepted it calmly. Xiao Shao's looks and power were indeed among the top in the Da Jin Dynasty. When she married him, everyone said a fine cabbage like him had been ruined by a pig like her. Now, it seemed countless people coveted this "cabbage." Jiang Ruan mused about when she should fence this cabbage in. Lin Zixiang pursed her lips and said, "Look, here comes one of those regretful ones."

Following her gaze, Jiang Ruan saw a young woman standing beside the Crown Princess, around seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in a light green feathered gauze jacket with a deep indigo cloak over it. Amidst a crowd of women vying for attention in colorful, elaborate outfits, her attire was so plain it bordered on dull. The woman seemed to sense their gazes and turned her head, meeting Jiang Ruan's eyes directly. She showed no surprise, only a faint smile.

The woman had delicate brows and a small mouth. None of her features stood out individually, but together they created a unique beauty—an almost excessive refinement. Most striking was the dignified and generous aura between her brows, which added to her charm. In short, she was the kind of woman who left a comfortable and pleasing impression at first glance.

Jiang Ruan had a vague guess about her identity when Lin Zixiang said, "You don’t know who she is, do you? The treasured daughter of the Cheng family, the Coastal Governor—Cheng Niannian."

The Cheng family's daughter. Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes. She had heard much about her—mostly that the Emperor had intended for Cheng Niannian to become the Princess of Brocade Glory. Yet somehow, Xiao Shao had ended up choosing Jiang Ruan instead, making it seem as though he had settled for less. Jiang Ruan had always laughed off such rumors, but Cheng Niannian intrigued her. It was said that this Cheng daughter was knowledgeable in both celestial and earthly matters, unlike Jiang Susu, whose talents were limited to the arts. Cheng Niannian understood the majesty of the court and the hardships of the common folk. The Cheng family's rise was partly due to her contributions.

Jiang Ruan also knew that when the previous Jinying Wang and his wife were accused of rebellion, and the court officials turned against the Brocade Hero King Manor, the Cheng family had staunchly supported them, even speaking up for Xiao Shao. Rumor had it that Cheng Niannian had returned home to persuade her father to take their side. So, at the very least, Cheng Niannian and Xiao Shao were not enemies.Jiang Ruan had only glanced at Cheng Niannian unintentionally, without any particular thoughts in mind. Firstly, Xiao Shao was not the type to flirt around, and secondly, this Cheng Niannian had always been merely the Emperor's unrequited affection—she truly didn’t take her seriously. However, the moment their eyes met just now, Jiang Ruan sensed something amiss. There seemed to be a hint of hostility in the woman’s gaze. Perhaps it was well concealed, but for someone like Jiang Ruan, who had grown up steeped in "hostility" from a young age, such a look was all too familiar.

"You're talking nonsense again," Wen Feifei, who had just given birth, was out for the first time since then. Accompanying her husband to the hunting grounds had put her in a good mood. After overhearing the casual conversation between Lin Zixiang and Jiang Ruan, she couldn't help but interject, "What regrets? I heard that young lady from the Cheng family is quite ambitious and exceptionally tolerant. As for that Prince Xiao you mentioned, don't upset Ruan Meimei with such talk. Can't you see the newlyweds are still in their honeymoon phase?"

"It's not the thief I fear, but the one who covets," Lin Zixiang retorted unimpressed, sticking to her opinion. "All so-called talented women in this world are the same. Claiming to be magnanimous is just to avoid becoming a laughingstock. It all boils down to one word—hypocrisy."

Lin Zixiang possessed a keen intuition about human nature, and in many matters, such people were often the wisest. This time, Jiang Ruan happened to share her view. With just a brief exchange of glances, she could tell that the Cheng family's young lady was not as tolerant and magnanimous as she appeared. At least in that fleeting moment of eye contact, Jiang Ruan had sensed many inexplicable emotions.

Indeed, one's own prized cabbage was always at risk of being eyed by others.

Just as she was lost in thought, a familiar voice suddenly rang out, "Ruan Meimei, you're here too!"

Jiang Ruan turned around to see Zhao Jin dismounting her horse. Dressed in a bright yellow riding outfit that day—befitting her family's martial background, which placed great emphasis on such attire—she outshone nearly all the other ladies present with her spirited and gallant charm. Many young noblemen in attendance couldn't take their eyes off her, some even staring openly.

"A Ruan," Jiang Xin Zhi happened to approach as well. Now a rising star in the court, his presence at such an event was indispensable. Striding over, he greeted his sister, whom he hadn't seen in a while. Lately, he had been busy with military affairs and had visited Brocade Hero King Manor less frequently. Jiang Ruan smiled and teased, "Elder Brother, you're only arriving now."

(End of Chapter)