In the blink of an eye, the year-end arrived. On New Year's Eve, Brocade Hero King Manor became bustling with activity, especially Butler Lin, who was so busy that he was scarcely seen all day. Over the years, Xiao Shao had either been outside the capital or occupied with official duties during the New Year, keeping everything simple. Now, with Jiang Ruan's arrival, the manor gained much liveliness, and the servants noticed their master had become more approachable than before—it finally felt like a "home."
Jiang Ruan wore a Peach Blossom Cloud Waistcoat paired with a Scattered Flower Crepe Skirt, her hair styled in a Round Flip Bun. She wore no excessive adornments, only a rose hairpin and a pair of pearl earrings, which accentuated her jade-like complexion. Her usual attire was bright and striking, with a subtle allure—bold colors and flamboyant outfits. But today, dressed by Lianqiao and Luzhu, she appeared as docile as a young girl, her sharp edges softened, her usual hostility tucked away, exuding a rare gentleness that made her look like an unmarried, beautiful maiden.
As dusk fell, Tianzhu (Nandina) opened the door, a faint smile breaking her typically expressionless face: "Young Madam, it's snowing lightly outside."
The snow didn’t bring a chill but rather a sense of the New Year. Jiang Ruan stepped outside to find Xiao Shao in the courtyard, giving instructions to Ye Feng. Hearing the sound, he turned and, upon seeing Jiang Ruan, couldn’t help but pause slightly.
Since Xuan Hua’s execution, the court had been in turmoil, and Xiao Shao had been busier than ever—often leaving early in the morning and returning late at night, by which time Jiang Ruan was already asleep. The couple had scarcely seen each other, making Xiao Shao’s early return today all the more unexpected. Ye Feng and the others had also been occupied these days, rarely staying in the manor. Seeing Jiang Ruan, Ye Feng greeted warmly, "Happy New Year, Young Madam."
Jiang Ruan smiled in response and walked over to Xiao Shao. Ye Feng glanced at Lianqiao and said, "This subordinate takes his leave," before excusing himself. Jiang Ruan then turned to Luzhu and the others, "You may rest as you please. I’ll go out with him for a while."
Luzhu, ever perceptive, quickly led Tianzhu and Lianqiao away. Xiao Shao pressed his lips together and asked, "Shall we take a walk?"
"I’ve heard that during the New Year, the streets of the capital are adorned with countless festive lanterns—a beautiful sight," Jiang Ruan said. "I’ve never had the chance to see it before. Today, you must accompany me to take a look."
Xiao Shao couldn’t help but smile, though his expression soon turned solemn as he recalled Jiang Ruan’s past. Unconsciously, his eyes softened with warmth. The two then walked toward the manor gates.
As it was the year-end, the streets were crowded with people shopping for New Year’s goods and jewelry, filling the capital with liveliness. After dusk, every household lit bright red lanterns, turning the entire street into a crimson row hanging from the eaves—a breathtaking sight. Even with the light snow, the streets didn’t feel cold; instead, the bustling crowd brought a comforting warmth.Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao walked side by side. Their striking appearances and extraordinary bearing naturally drew frequent glances. Men marveled at Jiang Ruan's beauty while secretly envying Xiao Shao's good fortune. The women were bolder, tossing silk flowers directly at Xiao Shao. Yet Xiao Shao remained aloof, walking straight ahead without a glance, trampling the flowers underfoot and unwittingly crushing many hopeful hearts.
Jiang Ruan found this scene strangely novel. In her past life, she'd never had the chance to experience such lively scenes—Jiang Quan had always confined her to the residence. Outings with her sisters were impossible, as her rustic upbringing from the mountains would shame the Jiang family. In this life, consumed by revenge, she'd paid no mind to such things. But after marrying Xiao Shao, her sharp edges had softened somewhat. Things ordinary people might find amusing no longer repelled her—or as Luzhu put it, she'd gained more "human warmth."
"You've been busy lately. Has something happened in the palace?" Jiang Ruan asked. She rarely pried into Xiao Shao's affairs, but his recent early departures and late returns suggested unusual developments. As his wife, it was only natural to ask, even if she might not be able to help.
Xiao Shao shook his head. "Southern Borderlanders have infiltrated the capital, but they've yet to make a move." He paused, then leaned down to murmur by her ear, "The Emperor is gravely ill."
Xiao Shao's warm breath lingered by her ear, but Jiang Ruan was stunned by his words. The Emperor falling ill at this time—this hadn't happened in her past life. Though her previous life had ended with her being framed as the Nation-destroying Enchantress who poisoned the Emperor, she'd always suspected Xuan Li's involvement. Now that Xuan Hua had died prematurely, Xuan Li might seize the opportunity to act. Did this mean the final struggle for succession was beginning earlier? Lost in thought, Jiang Ruan failed to notice someone ahead until she collided with them, her ankle twisting as she stumbled forward.
"Careful." Xiao Shao frowned sharply, swiftly catching Jiang Ruan by the waist and pulling her against him. Before she could look up, a familiar voice called out, "Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law."
Mo Cong and Qi Feng stood before them. Mo Cong wore a teasing grin as he playfully punched Xiao Shao's shoulder. "Third Brother, never thought I'd see you out strolling. Having a lovely wife really changes a man."
Xiao Shao said nothing. Qi Feng glanced at Jiang Ruan, whom she'd just bumped into, and smiled. "Are you alright, Third Sister-in-law?"
"It's nothing," Jiang Ruan replied. "Why isn't Xia Qing with you?" Guan Lianghan, as a martial man, naturally disliked idle strolls, but Xia Qing and Qi Feng were usually together. His absence was unusual.
"Since when does he have time for brothers?" Before Qi Feng could answer, Mo Cong cut in. "He's taken a fancy to that magistrate's daughter and went to curry favor with her today." He grumbled, "Who knows what he sees in that girl—sharp-tongued and socially clueless. What a... what a waste." Noticing Jiang Ruan's gaze, he scratched his head and laughed. "Ah well, those blessed with romance are beyond us lonely souls." He slung an arm around Qi Feng's shoulders. "Two men out together during the New Year—how pathetic."Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, and Qi Feng also smiled, though his gaze lingered somewhat unnaturally on Xiao Shao's hand resting on Jiang Ruan's waist. He merely said, "Old Seventh and I still have some matters to attend to, and it seems we're not going the same way. We won't disturb the two of you any longer."
Mo Cong, bewildered, was dragged away by Qi Feng, only catching faint murmurs: "Hey, Fourth Brother, where exactly are we going? Where are you pulling me...?"
After the two had left, Jiang Ruan straightened up, but her hand was grasped by Xiao Shao. She turned to look at him. His handsome face, under the shifting light and shadows, appeared especially chiseled, though his expression was unclear. Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow but remained silent. After walking a few steps, they came upon a stall selling festive lanterns. The stall was run by an elderly couple and seemed rather inconspicuous among the larger shops, yet Jiang Ruan was particularly drawn to a fox lantern.
The fox lantern was exquisitely crafted, small and delicate, vividly lifelike, and quite refined. It reminded Jiang Ruan of a fox cub she had once rescued on the estate, sparking her interest. Xiao Shao followed her gaze and, after a pause, said, "Wait here for me." He then strode toward the crowded stall.
Many young ladies had gathered around the stall, but upon seeing Xiao Shao, their cheeks flushed, and they instinctively made way for him. Jiang Ruan remained where she was when suddenly a familiar fragrance wafted past her nose. She looked up to see a young woman dressed in a green embroidered jacket and skirt standing before her, accompanied by several maids. The woman had delicate features and an indescribable charm—she was none other than Yao Niannian, the daughter of the Coastal Governor.
Yao Niannian had clearly recognized Jiang Ruan long before and stopped in front of her, offering a smile. "Princess of Brocade Glory," she greeted.
"Miss Yao," Jiang Ruan acknowledged with a nod. Yao Niannian seemed to be out for a leisurely stroll, yet she had no guards or friends with her—only a few maids. It was unusual for a young lady of her status to venture out alone, but given her family's prominence, she likely had little to fear from gossip. Moreover, Yao Niannian's reputation was impeccable, leaving no room for scandal.
Yao Niannian smiled as she glanced toward Xiao Shao, who was speaking with the elderly couple, and said to Jiang Ruan, "The prince and princess truly share a deep bond. His Highness's devotion to you is admirable and enviable." Her tone carried no hidden meaning, as if she were merely offering a sincere compliment.
"Miss Yao flatters me," Jiang Ruan replied with a smile. "When you marry your ideal match in the future, it will surely surpass even this." Yao Niannian was, after all, the Emperor's favored candidate for the position of Princess of Brocade Glory, making her something of a rival. Naturally, Jiang Ruan harbored no particular fondness for her. Yet while most unmarried young women would blush at such words, Yao Niannian remained composed, showing no trace of discomfort.
"Then I shall not disturb the prince and princess any longer," Yao Niannian said with a slight nod. Her graceful, reserved movements carried a certain elegance. As she passed by Jiang Ruan, she cast a meaningful glance her way, her smile tinged with something inscrutable.
Pondering Yao Niannian's smile, Jiang Ruan instinctively sensed something amiss, though she couldn't pinpoint what. Lost in thought, she didn't even notice when Xiao Shao returned with the lantern until he tapped her forehead. "Why are you spacing out?" he asked.The young women who had been watching Xiao Shao walk over to Jiang Ruan were utterly disheartened by his actions. Realizing he already had someone in his heart, they immediately scattered like birds and beasts. Jiang Ruan snapped out of her thoughts and took the festive lantern from Xiao Shao's hand, saying, "I just saw the young lady from the Yao family."
Xiao Shao frowned slightly, seemingly having no recollection of the Yao family's daughter Jiang Ruan mentioned. It took him a long while to remember, but he misunderstood Jiang Ruan's meaning, thinking she was acting this way out of jealousy. After a pause, he said, "No need to pay attention to outsiders." He then took Jiang Ruan's hand in his and walked forward.
The two strolled around the streets a few more times. Jiang Ruan was no longer a little girl and wouldn't chatter excitedly at every new sight. However, Xiao Shao, steady by nature and sharp-eyed, would immediately pull out silver to buy anything that caught Jiang Ruan's gaze for even a moment. In the end, he nearly bought a qin she had unintentionally glanced at, only stopping when Jiang Ruan insisted it would be inconvenient to carry. Even so, Xiao Shao still handed over a banknote, instructing the shop to wrap it up and deliver it to their residence the next day.
Ordinary passersby didn't know their identities. Xiao Shao always dressed modestly, and Jiang Ruan had taken on a demure demeanor today, so others simply assumed they were a newlywed couple in the honeymoon phase. In truth, they weren't wrong—weren't they indeed newlyweds?
In both her past and present lives, Jiang Ruan had never been treated this way before. Even though she knew the Brocade Hero King Manor was wealthy, she couldn't help but feel somewhat stiff. She mused that it was no wonder Xiao Shao, despite his cold demeanor and reputation as a traitorous subject, still had so many women chasing after him. A handsome man willing to spend money to please a woman undoubtedly had his charms.
It wasn't until late in the evening, when the streets began to empty, that the two returned to the manor. Butler Lin, seeing them return, naturally instructed the kitchen to bring out the prepared sweet soup. After Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan had some, Butler Lin and Lianqiao came to report that the General's Residence had sent gifts. Since Jiang Quan had been imprisoned, the General's Residence had actually increased its interactions with Jiang Ruan's side. Perhaps they understood her reservations—though they didn't communicate often, they always ensured proper etiquette during festivals. Zhao Guang and Jiang Xin Zhi shared similar temperaments, and the grandfather and grandson had endless discussions about military affairs. Jiang Xin Zhi even neglected the renovations of the residence bestowed by the Emperor, spending all his free time at the General's Residence.
After washing up, Jiang Ruan noticed Xiao Shao had also bathed and changed into snow-white underwear, leaning against the headboard with a book in hand. She casually took the book from him, climbed onto the bed, and brushed her hair aside, saying, "If you have free time in the coming days, accompany me to the General's Residence."
Xiao Shao pressed his lips together and replied, "Alright." The Shangshu Residence was now completely gone, and the General's Residence was his father-in-law's home—of course he would go.
Suddenly remembering something, Jiang Ruan added, "Oh, I'd like to borrow Jin Er for a bit—have him help me investigate someone."
Xiao Shao raised an eyebrow. "Who?""The Da Yiniang of the mansion." Although the brazier in the room still burned with charcoal, wearing only thin underwear made Jiang Ruan feel a chill. She instinctively leaned closer to Xiao Shao, treating him as a large heater. Frowning, she said, "You should also know about the affairs in my household. Now that the Shangshu Mansion is gone, there hasn't been any news of Da Yiniang seeking refuge with anyone. Over all these years, she has been like a shadow in the mansion—never competing or fighting for anything, yet remaining unscathed. I've always found it strange..."
There were indeed people in the world who were indifferent and unambitious, but such a person shouldn't have existed in the Shangshu Mansion. Zhao Mei's simple nature had prevented her from surviving the power struggles within the mansion, yet Da Yiniang had remained unharmed under Xia Yan's watchful eyes—she must have had some special means. For some reason, Jiang Ruan couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Perhaps those who had died once had an inexplicable intuition about such things, but Jiang Ruan couldn't ignore Da Yiniang no matter what.
Xiao Shao could see her thoughts and tucked the quilt more securely around her before saying thoughtfully, "Leave this matter to me."
Jiang Ruan obediently nestled her head against his chest and added, "And that young lady from the Yao family—today, she seemed a bit off. I can't quite put my finger on it... but I feel somewhat uneasy."
Xiao Shao shifted slightly, a trace of amusement flickering in his eyes as he glanced at her. Sensing his gaze, Jiang Ruan said, "Don't think I'm just making things up. You didn’t see it then, and even if you had, you probably wouldn’t have noticed anything."
"Then how did you notice?" Xiao Shao asked quietly.
"Intuition." A woman's intuition was always inexplicable, and women always had an unreasonable faith in it. Jiang Ruan herself couldn’t explain what she felt about Yao Niannian, but in that brief moment when they passed each other, the meaningful smile Yao Niannian had given her didn’t seem so simple. This meeting was different from their last encounter during the hunting event—something seemed to have quietly changed.
"Is A Ruan so concerned because she’s jealous?" Xiao Shao's usually stern face suddenly revealed a teasing smile. Jiang Ruan flushed at his words and retorted, "When was I ever jealous? It's just—mmph—" Before she could finish, the rest of her words were swallowed by his lips. The room gradually grew warmer, as if even the snowflakes clinging to the window were about to melt.
Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Prison of the capital.
A jailer poked at the charcoal in the brazier. Even with the fire, the accumulated damp and chill of the prison over the years wasn’t easily dispelled. Especially in the depths of winter, the cold was biting. Being stuck in such a wretched place during the New Year season inevitably bred resentment. A few jailers gathered around a table laden with wine and dishes, already somewhat drunk.
From the depths of the prison came faint sobbing—or perhaps it was cursing—the rustling echoes sounding eerie in the dimness. One of the jailers cursed and spat, "Damn it, crying like a funeral every damn day."
"Let it go," another stopped the one who wanted to go teach the prisoner a lesson. "They won’t live much longer anyway—no need to waste the effort. Come on, forget about it, let’s have another drink." With that, he took a large gulp of wine, as if pushing the sound out of his mind.In the deepest, darkest cell of the Heavenly Prison, a hunched figure lay sprawled on the ground, exuding a foul stench. His long, matted hair was infested with lice as he struggled to scratch his back, likely suffering from some skin disease. His tattered clothes were torn into shreds. No one would ever imagine that this wretched figure, filthier and more degraded than any beggar, was once the Minister of War, Jiang Quan.
Jiang Ruan lifted his head with effort. From the idle chatter of the prison guards, he had gleaned much news from the outside world. He heard that Jiang Dan had died and Xuan Hua had fallen, and inwardly, he cheered. Jiang Dan, a mere lowborn daughter, thought she had ascended to the heavens by becoming a concubine in the palace, neglecting her own father. Her death was for the best. As for Xuan Hua’s demise and the Crown Prince bedridden with illness, the throne would likely fall into Xuan Li’s hands. Jiang Quan had once hoped that Xuan Li, remembering their past alliance, might find a way to intervene and rescue him. But as time passed without even a whisper of such efforts, he tentatively inquired with the guards, only to be met with mocking glances. Slowly, the truth dawned on him. With the fall of the Minister’s residence, he had become worthless—a discarded pawn, useless to Xuan Li, who had cast him aside without hesitation.
Jiang Quan suddenly recalled the dream he had just had.
In that dream, he was the lofty Minister of War, still a pillar of the court and a revered scholar in the hearts of the people. In that dream, Xuan Li became Emperor, Jiang Susu became Empress, and Jiang Chao’s future shone brightly. He was promoted to the highest rank, showered with titles and honors. Xia Yan became a first-rank Imperial Mandate Lady, and the Minister’s residence flourished in splendor, thriving day by day.
In that dream, Second Madam was still alive, as were Jiang Li and Jiang Dan. The only ones missing were Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi. In that dream, Jiang Xin Zhi had died young, and Jiang Ruan had been sent into the palace as a pawn in a long-laid scheme, ultimately becoming a stepping stone for the entire Minister’s residence. The residence had climbed to greater heights by trampling over Jiang Ruan’s flesh and blood. The dream was so beautiful, the most wonderful one Jiang Quan had had since entering the Heavenly Prison. The wealth and glory in the dream felt so real, as if that life had truly existed. Precisely because it had been so glorious, waking to such ruin was unbearable.
Could it be that debts from a past life must be repaid in this one? If the dream was of a past life, then it was because he had harmed Jiang Ruan so cruelly then that he now suffered defeat at her hands in this life. Jiang Quan wiped his face. The nights in the Heavenly Prison were bitterly cold, and he faintly seemed to hear the sounds of firecrackers and fireworks outside. It was already the end of the year. In years past—in the years of that dream—it would have been a time of feasting and revelry in the Minister’s residence, clad in silks and satins, filled with music and dance.
Now, it had all turned to dust, trampled underfoot. He, the ambitious rising star of the court, had become a prisoner. Jiang Quan’s gaze slowly fell upon a thin, blackened, blanket-like object on the ground. Though time had passed, the metallic tang of blood still seemed to linger. He knew exactly what it was—a human skin, taken from the youngest lowborn daughter of the Minister’s residence, Jiang Dan.Someone had sent him a gift—a perfectly preserved human skin, and Jiang Quan knew exactly who was behind it. At first, the sight of the flayed skin had made him nauseous, his face drained of color, enduring immense torment day after day until his mind began to unravel. This was precisely the effect Jiang Ruan had intended—an overt act of intimidation, a warning. Through Jiang Dan’s skin, she was telling him: Those who harmed Zhao Mei would meet a grim fate. Jiang Dan and Xia Yan had already paid the price, and now it was his turn...
Jiang Quan had never regarded her as his daughter, so that stunning young woman who always dressed in crimson had repaid him without hesitation. Her ruthlessness surpassed even his own, her cruelty colder and more absolute. This was no father-daughter relationship—it was a feud spanning past and present lives. And what made it worse was that he had lost.
It was the New Year, and from a certain cell in the Heavenly Prison came the low curses of a man, his voice trembling with sobs of pleading, mingled with fearful whimpers, slowly fading into the night of the Da Jin Dynasty's capital.
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