At noon the next day, Jin Er finally returned to the mansion under the watchful eyes of everyone. Butler Lin was already hopping mad at the sight of him. Though unaware of the specifics, seeing Luzhu—a girl who was always smiling—locked in her room crying all night was enough to make Butler Lin conclude that Jin Er had acted utterly despicable this time. Though Lianqiao hadn’t said a word, the slap mark on Luzhu’s face was plain for all to see. Observant people could guess a thing or two, and though it was hard to believe, they couldn’t help but speculate. So when Jin Er returned, Butler Lin immediately unleashed the words he had been holding back all night.
Yet Jin Er’s expression looked even worse than Butler Lin’s, as if he were utterly exhausted. Butler Lin blocked his path and ranted at him for nearly half an hour, only to see Jin Er’s dazed gaze gradually clear. Without a word, Jin Er merely glanced at Butler Lin and headed straight for the study. Butler Lin paused, then called out, “The master hasn’t returned to the mansion yet, and the young mistress is inside.”
Jin Er didn’t stop, continuing his stride toward the study. Butler Lin was puzzled at first but soon understood. “Are you going to apologize? That’s good. Luzhu is, after all, the young mistress’s maid. Bullying her like this is a slap to the young mistress’s face, so an apology is only right. But Jin Er, don’t blame old Lin for not warning you—women hold grudges. You won’t easily gain forgiveness today. Just remember, no matter what they say, you’ll have to take it. Though I must say, what possessed you to bully the poor girl in the first place…?”
Jin Er’s expression remained grim. Butler Lin, assuming it was remorse and guilt, didn’t know what else to say. Jin Er quickened his pace, leaving Butler Lin behind. Jin San and Jin Si, who had grown up with Jin Er and shared a brotherly bond, approached, equally baffled by his demeanor. Butler Lin sighed. “What a mess this is.”
“What’s wrong with Jin Er?” Jin San and Jin Si exchanged glances. They had always known Jin Er to be the most chivalrous among them, so the idea of him hitting Luzhu was hard to believe. Yet his overnight absence and silent return left them uncertain.
“Is he going to apologize to the young mistress and Luzhu? It won’t be easy,” Jin San murmured.
“Let’s follow and see. Better to mend than to sever. Jin Er must have lost his head for a moment,” Butler Lin sighed, trailing after him.
Jiang Ruan was in the study writing a letter when she suddenly heard a knock at the door. Tianzhu glanced out and whispered, “Young mistress, it’s Jin Er.”
Jiang Ruan hadn’t allowed Luzhu to serve her today. The poor girl’s eyes were swollen from crying, and at her tender age, her pride had taken a severe blow. Ashamed of what had happened, she couldn’t bring herself to move about the mansion as if nothing were wrong. Only Tianzhu and Lianqiao remained in the room with Jiang Ruan. At the mention of Jin Er’s arrival, Lianqiao rolled her eyes disdainfully, but Jiang Ruan acted as though she hadn’t heard, continuing to write—clearly intending to leave Jin Er waiting.Yet no one expected Jin Er to push the door open and stride in himself. Such bold behavior would normally be considered a serious breach of decorum. Lianqiao immediately exclaimed, "How dare you! The young mistress didn't summon you—what kind of manners is this to enter without permission!"
Jiang Ruan usually didn't enforce strict etiquette with servants, and Jin Er and the others, being Xiao Shao's trusted aides, had even more leeway. Lianqiao's outburst stemmed partly from shock at Jin Er disregarding even surface-level propriety, and partly from wanting to vent her anger on Luzhu's behalf. However, once inside, Jin Er remained silent, his expression utterly wretched, with a faint scent of alcohol clinging to him.
Jin Er knelt on one knee, bowing his head. "This subordinate has committed an offense. I beg for punishment, my lady."
Jiang Ruan continued ignoring him, meticulously writing characters stroke by stroke. The room fell into complete silence, with no one daring to speak—not even Butler Lin, Jin San, or Jin Si, who had gathered outside the door. It was clear to all that Jiang Ruan was deliberately leaving Jin Er hanging. This was understandable, given that Luzhu was her personal maid. To insult her was to slap Jiang Ruan in the face. Though she often appeared cold, Jiang Ruan was fiercely protective of those close to her—how could she possibly show Jin Er any kindness now?
With Jiang Ruan silent, Jin Er remained kneeling. Only when the small stick of incense in the room had nearly burned out did Jiang Ruan finally set down her brush. She shook the letter gently to dry the ink, sealed it in an envelope, and placed it aside before finally lifting her gaze to Jin Er. "What is it?"
Her tone was icy. Jin Er, still kneeling, replied quietly, "Young Mistress, this subordinate has come regarding the matter with Luzhu."
"I know nothing of Luzhu's affairs. Only Lianqiao does," Jiang Ruan said indifferently.
With Jiang Ruan's tacit approval, Lianqiao finally unleashed the fury she had been holding since the previous day, words pouring out like beans from a split bamboo tube: "What good does it do to come looking for Luzhu now? Do you think a few sweet words will make her forgive you? Don’t take everyone for fools, imagining every woman is hopelessly devoted to you. Luzhu may not be some highborn lady, but she’s a proper and respectable girl—how dare you treat her like this? If you think you can use those brothel tricks on her, I spit on you!" In her agitation, Lianqiao even dredged up the crude insults she’d once hurled at wicked servants back in the village.
Outside, Butler Lin, Jin San, and Jin Si winced, silently agreeing that Lianqiao’s tongue was sharp as a blade—better not to cross her. Yet there seemed to be an underlying implication in her words. "Highborn lady"? Who was she mocking? Could Jin Er truly have taken up with someone else?
Jin Er endured the tirade without a word. Butler Lin stroked his beard, somewhat approving. "Not fighting back or retorting—at least his attitude is decent. Women are soft-hearted; if he seizes the moment to sweet-talk her..."
"Young Mistress, I cannot marry Luzhu." Before Butler Lin could finish, Jin Er’s voice cut through the room.
Silence. Even Tianzhu snapped her gaze toward Jin Er. Butler Lin’s mouth opened and closed, at a loss for words. Lianqiao clutched her chest, taking a deep breath. "Don’t—don’t say such frightening things. You...""Young Madam, this subordinate cannot marry Luzhu anymore." Jin Er repeated his words, this time with a firm and clear voice that resonated in everyone's ears.
Jiang Ruan slowly took a sip of tea. Among all present, her expression was the calmest. She gazed coldly at Jin Er, her eyes bearing an uncanny resemblance to Xiao Shao's. "Why?" she asked.
Jin Er kowtowed to Jiang Ruan, his tone heavy with guilt. "This subordinate has wronged Luzhu. Let us call off this marriage."
Lianqiao's eyes reddened instantly. She, Baizhi, and Luzhu had supported each other through the most difficult times. Luzhu, with her innocent and carefree nature, was like a little sister to her. She had witnessed Luzhu's joy upon learning of the engagement, and now, hearing Jin Er declare its cancellation, she felt heartbroken on Luzhu's behalf. Anger surged within her, making her wish she could strike Jin Er hard. "You heartless man—"
"A marriage between you and Luzhu should be decided by the two of you. Acting like this—does Luzhu know? Does she agree?" Jiang Ruan's voice was gentle, but her gaze was sharp as a blade. Jin Er met her eyes and found himself momentarily speechless.
In the silence that followed, a clear voice sounded from behind. "I already know."
Tianzhu also turned toward the door to see Luzhu walking in. She had changed into a fresh set of clothes, the delicate pink hue brightening her complexion. Though traces of redness lingered around her eyes, concealed by powder, her expression was utterly composed. She stepped forward and knelt beside Jin Er, kowtowing to Jiang Ruan with a resounding thud. "This servant humbly requests Young Madam to cancel the engagement with Jin Er."
Her words were solemn and deliberate. Lianqiao wanted to stop her—marriage was no trivial matter to be treated lightly—but then she thought, what was the point? Jin Er was so heartless. What could she even say?
Jin San and Jin Si frowned deeply, though they dared not interrupt. Butler Lin, however, was so furious he stomped his feet, cursing Jin Er for being a blockhead.
Jiang Ruan studied Luzhu quietly for a long moment before speaking. "Luzhu, don’t deceive me."
"This servant would never dare lie to Young Madam," Luzhu replied frankly. Her demeanor was poised, her tone crisp—bearing a faint resemblance to Jiang Ruan’s own composure in the face of adversity. "This servant’s previous engagement was entirely due to Young Madam’s kindness. Now, the affection between us has run its course, and we should part amicably. Since Jin Er has already proposed it, it aligns with this servant’s wishes. This is simply the way of a clean break. However, I must trouble Young Madam once more, and for that, this servant is deeply ashamed. This matter has nothing to do with Jin Er—it is simply that this servant and he were never meant to be husband and wife."Her words, though spoken gently, carried an unyielding firmness, leaving no room for negotiation. Jiang Ruan lowered her gaze, her expression hidden from the onlookers as she slowly traced the lid of the white porcelain teacup. "Since the two of you have already made your decision, naturally, there is no room for me to say anything else. However, once this engagement is called off, as Luzhu said, there will be no marital bond between you. All that has passed will be but an illusion, and from now on, you shall be strangers—each marrying, building families, and raising children. In your twilight years, when you look back, it will be nothing more than a fleeting jest." Her tone was cold and ruthless, sending a shiver through those present. Indeed, they had once had the chance to become the closest of kin, yet in the end, it would all dissolve like a dream, each bound to their own separate fates. On the surface, it might seem inconsequential, but in the years to come, the memory would surely bring pain—especially for these two, whose lingering affection for each other was plain for all to see.
Jiang Ruan set the teacup down lightly on the table. In the heavy silence, the sound rang out like thunder, striking deep into the hearts of those gathered. But her next words carried even greater weight. "Jin Er," she asked, "have you truly thought this through?"
Her tone held a note of warning, making it clear that if Jin Er insisted on breaking off the engagement with Luzhu today, Jiang Ruan would never allow him near her again. Hearing this, Jin Er slowly lowered his head and drew something from his sleeve. His fist clenched briefly before he extended it toward Luzhu.
Luzhu took it—a small sachet embroidered with golden fish, once meant to symbolize a blessed union. Now, returned to its original owner, it severed the last thread of possibility between them. Though her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, Luzhu quickly masked her distress with a smile, kowtowing to Jiang Ruan. "Thank you, Young Madam, for your understanding."
Lianqiao turned away, unable to hold back her tears. If even an outsider was moved to such emotion, one could only imagine how Luzhu truly felt. Jiang Ruan replied coolly, "Very well. As you wish." Then, turning to Jin Er, she added with the same detached tone, "I hope you won’t regret this in the future."
Jin Er’s face was ashen, his usual charming demeanor replaced by a lifeless stare, as though all his support had been ripped away in an instant. Butler Lin sighed and left without a word. Jin San and Jin Er stood frozen, bewildered. They had assumed Jin Er’s return today was to apologize and reconcile—never expecting such an outcome. Their expressions darkened with unease. Jin Er’s sudden decision to break the engagement was far too unusual.
After Jin Er and Luzhu had each departed, Lianqiao finally wiped her tears. Though it was Luzhu who had suffered the injustice, she wept bitterly. "This is too cruel, Young Madam—"
"Enough tears," Jiang Ruan cut in, her voice icy. She turned to Tianzhu. "Have you uncovered that woman’s background?"
"Yes, Young Madam, but..." Tianzhu hesitated until Jiang Ruan commanded sharply, "Speak." It was rare for Jiang Ruan to be so stern—Luzhu’s ordeal had clearly put her in a foul mood. Not daring to withhold anything, Tianzhu immediately relayed what she had found.The woman who came to the capital looking for Jin Er was named Liao Meng. Before Jin Er followed Xiao Shao, he was the second young master of the Huang family in Jiangnan. Back when Old Master Huang passed through Dingxi, he had a brief connection with the Liao family there. At that time, Madam Huang had just given birth to Jin Er, and Madam Liao had also just borne Liao Meng. Finding it fateful, the two families, in their drunken revelry that day, arranged a betrothal between their children, even drafting a formal engagement letter. However, after Old Master Huang returned to Jiangnan, the matter was gradually forgotten. For over twenty years, there was no contact between the families. Who would have thought Liao Meng would suddenly appear at their doorstep?
It turned out the Liao family had fallen into misfortune. Both Old Master Liao and Madam Liao had passed away, and various relatives began coveting the family's wealth. Before her death, Madam Liao produced the engagement letter and urged Liao Meng to seek refuge with the Huang family. Old Master Huang was a man who valued his word, but Madam Huang worried about her son hastily marrying an unfamiliar girl. Coincidentally, Liao Meng was also in poor health and wished to seek a renowned physician in the capital for treatment while clarifying matters with Jin Er. If Jin Er refused, the engagement would be annulled. Zhou Mama, Liao Meng's wet nurse, accompanied her to the capital.
Tianzhu (Nandina) said, "When Miss Liao first arrived in the capital, she met with Jin Er once. Jin Er made it clear that he was already engaged to Luzhu. Miss Liao was very understanding and only mentioned that the physicians here advised against long journeys. She said she would return to Jiangnan once her health improved."
"She speaks so sweetly, but has she left? Clearly, she intends to steal Luzhu's betrothal. She seems pleasant on the surface, but who knows what lies beneath? I can't fathom how Jin Er could be so blind as to be deceived by such a person."
Tianzhu was still hesitant. She had always understood Jin Er's temperament, and so far, the woman's actions had shown no impropriety—even appearing reasonable. How had things come to this?
Tianzhu couldn't see it because the Brocade-clad Guards' affairs had little to do with the intrigues of women in the household. A man might overlook a woman's deceit, but another woman would spot it instantly. What Tianzhu failed to perceive, Jiang Ruan could discern clearly, as could even Lianqiao, who had long been by her side. This woman's schemes ran deep, step by step leading Jin Er to this point—undoubtedly premeditated. In the end, she made Luzhu appear unreasonable while absolving herself entirely.
"Why suddenly break off the engagement? Only to marry someone else," Jiang Ruan said coldly. "What exactly happened last night, Tianzhu? Go and investigate."
Lianqiao, who had long harbored hatred for that woman, asked eagerly, "Is the young mistress planning to stand up for Luzhu?"
"She has grown far too audacious." Jiang Ruan gazed indifferently at her sleeve before smiling faintly. "To dare use such tricks on my people—she must have a death wish."
...
In the residence in the eastern part of the city, the woman who had been weeping uncontrollably that morning had now changed into clean attire. A pale yellow cotton-lined jacket and skirt embroidered with orchids struck the perfect balance—neither overly extravagant nor too plain, elegantly accentuating her slender waist. Were it not for the anxious expression of the short, plump woman beside her, the scene might have been idyllic.Zhou Mama looked at Liao Meng, hesitating several times before finally unable to hold back her question: "Miss, is this really the right thing for us to do?"
"Does Mama feel there’s something improper?" Liao Meng smiled faintly. Compared to her flustered state in the morning, she now appeared remarkably composed. Upon closer inspection, one could even detect a hint of joyful delight in the corners of her eyes and brows.
"This old servant merely worries that sacrificing your reputation might be too severe. Moreover, if Second Young Master Huang discovers the truth later, how will you handle the aftermath? Please don’t blame this old servant for overthinking, but you were raised in my arms, and I can’t help but worry about such matters..."
Liao Meng laughed. "Mama is overconcerned. Second Young Master Huang is clever and sharp-witted. If I hadn’t risked my own reputation, how else could I have persuaded him so easily? As for after the marriage..." She seemed slightly bashful. "If I fulfill my duties as a wife properly, the Second Young Master is a good man—he’ll surely treat me well, and these matters will naturally fade away. Does Mama think my methods are too underhanded?" Liao Meng lowered her head, her voice tinged with sorrow. "With Father and Mother gone, and those relatives eyeing me like tigers, I... I had no other choice. A family like the Huangs—if I missed this chance, my uncle and aunt would surely marry me off as a concubine to that rice merchant’s son. Mama, I don’t want to be a concubine. That maid... since she serves the Princess Consort, she’ll surely find someone better."
Zhou Mama’s heart ached at these words. "My dear miss, don’t speak such sorrowful things. If the master and mistress were still here, they’d never have let you use your reputation as bait. I know you’re trapped by circumstances. Second Young Master Huang is still a man—once you’re married, with your temperament and beauty, no man could resist loving you. Life will surely improve. This old servant was just overthinking. Please don’t blame me."
Liao Meng smiled and exchanged a few more words with Zhou Mama before the latter went inside to prepare medicine. Once Zhou Mama had left, Liao Meng returned to her room. The pot of orchids in the center of the room was in full bloom—a rare sight in such weather. Gently stroking the petals, she inhaled their intoxicating fragrance, which seemed to grow more tantalizing the longer she breathed it in, leaving her throat parched.
Slowly, she sat before the dressing mirror. The reflection showed a woman of peerless beauty, unmistakably the pampered daughter of a noble family. Every man for himself, or heaven and earth will destroy him. Had her parents still been alive, she might not have fixated on Jin Er. But now that things had come to this, a family like the Huangs was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Besides, Jin Er was handsome—she was determined to have him.
How could a lowly maid serving the Princess Consort compare to a proper young lady from a prestigious family like herself? Against such an opponent, a little maneuvering would decide the outcome. From Jin Er’s own words, she already knew this Luzhu was blunt and intolerant. The more reasonable Liao Meng appeared, the more guilt Jin Er would feel. With subtle provocations here and there, bit by bit, the rift between them would inevitably widen.
But guilt alone wouldn’t be enough to sever them completely. Liao Meng smiled slowly, tracing her fingers over the face in the bronze mirror.
...The fallout from the broken engagement between Jin Er and Luzhu stirred up quite a storm in Brocade Hero King Manor. That day, the entire manor was shrouded in gloom, seemingly weighed down by the matter. Little did anyone know, this was merely the beginning—one turbulent wave after another would soon surge through the manor in the days to come.
On this particular day, Lianqiao and Luzhu were doing embroidery work in the courtyard. After much coaxing over the past few days, Luzhu had finally regained her usual composure—at least on the surface, she no longer appeared heartbroken. Taking the first step was always the hardest, but once done, the rest would follow.
As Luzhu chatted with Lianqiao, they suddenly noticed a third-tier cleaning maid from the outer courtyard rushing in frantically, shouting, "Terrible news! Terrible news!"
"What’s got you in such a panic?" Lianqiao stood up and asked.
The maid suddenly stopped, glanced at Luzhu, and immediately shut her mouth. Lianqiao's heart skipped a beat. Pretending nonchalance, she walked over and took the young maid's hand, saying, "Let's go outside and take a look. Luzhu, could you watch my embroidery for me first?"
Luzhu, suspecting nothing, nodded in agreement. Only when they reached the courtyard did Lianqiao ask, "What happened?" She had a vague suspicion it concerned Luzhu. The young maid's lips trembled as if she might cry, "Sister Lianqiao, something terrible has happened. Everyone outside is saying Sister Luzhu is taking advantage of the young mistress's favor to seduce another woman's betrothed!"
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