Early the next morning, just after Jiang Ruan had finished breakfast and before she could reach the study, the gatekeeper came to report, holding a bundle-like object. It was said to be delivered to the master of Brocade Hero King Manor. When asked who sent it, the gatekeeper couldn't provide a clear answer, only mentioning that it seemed to be from the Mo family's carriage. This Mo family naturally referred to Mo Cong's residence in the capital. While the master of Brocade Hero King Manor was indeed Xiao Shao, Jiang Ruan now also had the authority to handle such matters. Without hesitation, the gatekeeper handed it over to Jiang Ruan. She returned to the study and tossed the bundle onto the desk. Tianzhu (Nandina) then said, "Why doesn't the young mistress open it? If it's something urgent, delaying wouldn't be good."
In Tianzhu's view, if Mo Cong had sent something, it was likely related to official matters. Jiang Ruan was no ignorant woman confined to the inner quarters—she could handle certain affairs quite well. Given the turbulent times, timing was precious, and Xiao Shao probably wouldn't return until late at night. Thus, it might be better for Jiang Ruan to open it herself and see what it was.
Lianqiao also chimed in, "Yes, young mistress, it must be something concerning the manor." Her thoughts weren't as deep as Tianzhu's; she simply hoped this might serve as an opportunity to bridge the growing distance between Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao. After some consideration, Jiang Ruan brought the bundle closer and slowly unwrapped it.
Inside the bundle was nothing but an outer garment—a pitch-black Suzhou embroidery brocade robe with dark golden Qilin patterns embroidered at the hem. It was unmistakably Xiao Shao's robe. Alongside it was a letter.
For Mo Cong to inexplicably return Xiao Shao's robe was already peculiar, let alone including a letter. Without hesitation, Jiang Ruan opened the letter. The unfolded paper bore only two simple words: "Thank you." The handwriting was the delicate, graceful script commonly used by women, yet it was so refined and elegant that even a brief glance revealed its exceptional quality. The content itself was thought-provoking. Luzhu's expression immediately darkened—she couldn't help but overthink it. Had this happened before, she might have found it merely odd, but now, her mind involuntarily formed a certain suspicion. With Jin Er's precedent, how could she not be tense? Her face paled instantly.
Tianzhu's gaze flickered, and she fell silent. Lianqiao opened her mouth but seemed at a loss for how to respond to the situation. Before any of the three could speak, they saw Jiang Ruan pick up the robe and slowly bring it to her nose. Both Lianqiao and Luzhu watched her nervously, while Tianzhu, though not as visibly tense, didn't miss a single change in Jiang Ruan's expression. Moments later, Jiang Ruan set the robe down. Her expression remained unchanged from start to finish. After tossing the robe back into the bundle, she turned to Luzhu and asked, "What about the gifts prepared for the General's Residence the other day?"A few days ago, the third wife of the Zhao family was found to be pregnant again. Considering Zhao Feizhou's current age, it was a delightful surprise for the entire General's Residence that the third wife could still conceive. When the good news arrived, Jiang Ruan had instructed her servants to prepare gifts, intending to visit in person. However, she had nearly forgotten about it lately.
Luzhu was surprised: "The gifts are already prepared, following the list provided by Butler Lin. Would you like to review them now, miss?"
"No need," Jiang Ruan stood up. "Let's go to the General's Residence today."
"Ah?" Lianqiao's heart skipped a beat, clearly thinking along the same lines as Luzhu. Though hesitant, she... Before they could speak, Jiang Ruan had already stepped out the door first, leaving the others exchanging bewildered glances. In the end, it was Tianzhu who walked forward, stopping in front of the desk. After a moment's hesitation, she reached out and picked up the robe, mimicking Jiang Ruan's gesture by waving it under her nose.
"What is it?" Lianqiao asked anxiously.
Tianqiao frowned deeply, yet seemed not entirely certain. With a hint of confusion, she asked, "Orchids?"
...
And so, Jiang Ruan left just like that. Butler Lin was furious but dared not speak up. He likely wanted to step forward and dissuade her, but upon seeing Jiang Ruan's cold expression, he shrank back, ultimately retreating behind the vermilion pillars of the manor gate, nervously picking at the paint. Jin Si stood nearby with her arms crossed, watching Butler Lin's actions until she couldn't hold back any longer: "Hey, old Lin, if you scratch the pillars, will the repair costs come out of your wages?"
Butler Lin's movements halted abruptly, but he quickly straightened his face and scolded, "What do you know? This old man is worried. A little girl like you wouldn't understand how to share my burdens. You don’t even do what you’re supposed to do all day, just running your mouth." By the end, he was lecturing Jin Si instead. Jin Si was taken aback, then found it both funny and exasperating: "Is there really a need for you to be so nervous? The young mistress is just going to the General's Residence—it's practically like returning to her maternal home. Why are you acting as if some major disaster has struck? Anyone who doesn’t know better would think something terrible has happened to her."
"That’s precisely why you lack perception," Butler Lin said, clasping his hands behind his back and eyeing her. "Do you know why the young mistress is returning to the General's Residence?"
"Of course. The third wife of the Zhao family is pregnant, and the young mistress is going to congratulate her. It’s a joyous occasion," Jin Si replied.
"If it were truly for congratulations, the young mistress wouldn’t have waited until now—she would’ve taken the young master along long ago. This trip today clearly looks like she’s storming back to her maternal home after a fight. I heard from Lianqiao last night—it’s driving me mad." Butler Lin grew increasingly agitated. "Everything was fine, yet he had to go and anger his wife into leaving for her family home. The young master hasn’t learned a thing from my wisdom. Women need to be coaxed, and it seems he can’t even be bothered to do that anymore."
Jin Si pondered this seriously before saying to Butler Lin, "Now that you mention it, I also feel like there’s been too much happening lately. First, it was Jin Er and Luzhu, and now the young mistress and the master. It’s quite a coincidence, but I can’t figure out how it all started. Could it be bad feng shui?"
"We should send someone to the temple tomorrow to burn an incense stick for marital harmony. This manor can’t afford any more turmoil," Butler Lin agreed.
...On this side, Jiang Ruan arrived at the General's Residence with Tianzhu and a few others. Her visit was rather sudden, without any prior notice or invitation card, nor did she send a servant ahead to inform her elder brother. Nevertheless, the Zhao family was delighted to see her, especially the ladies of the household, who joyfully came out to welcome her.
Jiang Ruan had gifts prepared for the Third Madam, and naturally, she didn’t forget the others—everyone in the three branches of the family received presents. The gifts were meticulously chosen, leaving no room for criticism, and were exceedingly generous. This was Butler Lin’s doing, as he had always been skilled in such matters.
When the First Madam led Jiang Ruan into the residence, they first intended to pay respects to the family patriarch, Zhao Guang. However, he wasn’t in the main hall. The First Madam smiled and said, “Father is playing chess in the backyard. Come along, A Ruan.” Upon arriving in the backyard, Jiang Ruan was slightly taken aback, for the one playing chess with Zhao Guang was none other than Jiang Xin Zhi.
The siblings hadn’t seen each other in quite some time. Since the New Year, Jiang Ruan had been busy helping Xuan Pei establish his footing, while Jiang Xin Zhi was occupied with military affairs in the camp. Perhaps because of Zhao Jin’s presence, he no longer felt the need to keep Jiang Ruan under his watchful eye at all times as he once did. Thus, this reunion was rather unexpected.
Yet, their bond hadn’t weakened despite the distance. The moment Jiang Xin Zhi saw Jiang Ruan, he immediately abandoned the unfinished chess game and strode toward her, exclaiming joyfully, “A Ruan, what brings you here so suddenly? You didn’t even send word ahead.”
This provoked Zhao Guang to stomp his feet in frustration behind him, “You brat! Get back here! Where do you think you’re running off to in the middle of a game?”
“Enough, Grandfather,” another voice chimed in, “Your terrible chess skills are only tolerated by Cousin. What’s the point of finishing the game? You’re bound to lose anyway.”
Zhao Guang couldn’t stand anyone criticizing his chess-playing and immediately scowled at Zhao Feizhou, ready to scold him. But Zhao Feizhou merely stuck out his tongue and dashed away. His temperament was a perfect reflection of Zhao Yuanfeng’s—always impulsive and mischievous. Seeing no point in chasing after him, Zhao Guang cleared his throat and turned to Jiang Ruan, unable to suppress the delight in his eyes, “Ruan girl, you’re back.”Jiang Ruan nodded and stepped forward to exchange pleasantries, which deepened the look of satisfaction on Zhao Guang's face. To be fair, although Jiang Ruan didn’t visit the General's Residence often, this actually worked to its advantage. Maintaining an appropriate distance ensured no trouble was brought upon the household. While her usual demeanor appeared polite yet distant, her holiday gift lists were always thoughtful and impeccable. It was often said that one’s sincerity could be discerned from their gift lists, and these flawless selections made it impossible to hold any resentment toward her. Instead, people felt she was enduring hardships for their sake, which only endeared her more to them and evoked sympathy. Of course, the General's Residence had no idea that these gift lists were always prepared by Butler Lin. To them, Jiang Ruan’s exceptional intelligence made it unsurprising that the lists came from her hand, but a butler crafting such lists seemed far less plausible. After all, preparing gift lists was no simple task—many young ladies began learning household management with this very skill. A well-prepared list could foster good relationships, while a poorly made one might cost a crucial opportunity for advancement.
After Zhao Guang finished speaking with Jiang Ruan, Li Shi approached and pulled her into the main hall, eagerly inquiring about her recent affairs. Li Shi genuinely doted on Jiang Ruan, compensating doubly for the regrets she had regarding Zhao Mei. Zhao Yulong and Zhao Yi also returned, and Zhao’s third daughter-in-law was pleasantly surprised. She had initially thought Jiang Ruan wouldn’t come today, but her sudden arrival brought the entire Zhao family together. Delighted, Li Shi instructed the kitchen to prepare more dishes. However, Zhao Yuanping asked, "A Ruan, why didn’t Prince Xiao accompany you today?"
Everyone turned to look at Jiang Ruan, who smiled and replied, "He’s occupied with official duties. I came on a whim today, but I’ll bring him along another time to pay respects to Grandfather and Grandmother."
Xiao Shao was indeed busy. The Zhao family members attended court and knew he had previously been so occupied that he rarely stayed in the capital for long. Thus, Zhao Yuanping didn’t press further. During the meal, the family chatted and toasted merrily. Sitting among them, Jiang Ruan felt a faint sense of unreality. These past few days, the Brocade Hero King Manor had been in utter chaos—whether it was the Brocade-clad Guards, her maids, or even herself. The stark contrast between the lively harmony in public and the cold isolation in private had never struck her before, but now she felt it keenly. Or perhaps, at some point, her heart had begun to warm—at least toward those close to her.
While eating, Li Shi tentatively asked, "A Ruan, it’s getting late. Why don’t you stay the night?" Her tone was cautious, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on Jiang Ruan’s face, unable to conceal her hope. Jiang Ruan suddenly smiled and said, "Alright."Li Shi breathed a sigh of relief and immediately instructed the servants, "Quickly, quickly, tidy up the room in Fragrant Garden. I had it cleaned just the other day, but it must have gathered dust again these past few days." Fragrant Garden was the courtyard where Zhao Mei had lived when she was still a maiden in the residence. After Zhao Mei left, the courtyard had never been neglected. For over a decade, it had been maintained as if waiting for someone who would never return, with the rooms cleaned regularly—a gesture only family could sustain.
"Mother, there's no need to rush," the second sister-in-law said with a laugh. "Who asks servants to tidy up rooms during mealtime? There's no hurry. After dinner, Eldest Sister-in-law, Third Sister-in-law, and Mother can continue chatting. I'll have someone clean the rooms later. I also have quite a few interesting storybooks here, though I don’t know if A Ruan would like them." She was a straightforward person, her cheerful words lifting everyone's spirits. Jiang Ruan smiled and replied, "Xiao Shao has been very busy these days, hardly ever at home. I was planning to stay here a few more days—I just hope my sisters-in-law won’t find me a bother."
"No trouble at all," the third sister-in-law exclaimed delightedly. "That’s wonderful! I’m cooped up in my room every day with no one to talk to. With A Ruan here, I’ll finally have company."
The second sister-in-law feigned anger. "What kind of talk is that? Am I not a person? After all the time I’ve spent with you?"
The third sister-in-law quickly laughed and begged for forgiveness, filling the room with lively chatter and laughter. By the time evening came, after long conversations with her sisters-in-law, it was already late at night. Jiang Ruan returned to Fragrant Garden and was about to wash up and rest when Tianzhu suddenly called out sharply, "Who’s there?"
Jiang Ruan turned to see a figure emerge from the shadows of the lamplight—it was Jiang Xin Zhi. He glanced at Tianzhu and said, "You may leave."
Tianzhu paused but knew Jiang Ruan and her brother had always been close, so she withdrew without a word. Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi walked to the stone table in the courtyard and sat down. Jiang Ruan smiled and asked, "Elder Brother, staying up so late—surely you didn’t come just for idle talk?"
"A Ruan," Jiang Xin Zhi’s expression turned serious. "Has he mistreated you?"
Jiang Ruan was momentarily stunned before realizing the "he" referred to Xiao Shao. She chuckled. "Elder Brother, how would he dare mistreat me? It’s always been me bullying others. You’re worrying too much—"
Before she could finish, Jiang Xin Zhi interrupted. "A Ruan, we are siblings born of the same mother. In this world, no one is closer to you than I am. You used to cling to me when you were little. Though we were separated for years, that doesn’t mean I don’t understand you. Today, your behavior in this residence has been unusual. When you were angry with me as a child, you never cried or made a scene—you would just walk away silently. You’ve always used silence to express your discontent, avoiding direct confrontation. A Ruan, what’s happened between you and Xiao Shao?"Jiang Xin Zhi truly understood her. Even though many of her thoughts had changed in this lifetime, the long-standing bond and the connection between siblings from the same mother allowed him to immediately sense something was amiss. However, Jiang Ruan felt somewhat helpless: "Elder Brother, there is indeed a minor issue between us, but if I can't even handle such a small matter, you're underestimating me. Surely you wouldn’t interfere in a couple’s affairs, would you? He hasn’t mistreated me—it’s just that I was unhappy with him and gave him a hard time instead." Seeing Jiang Xin Zhi’s determined expression, as if he wouldn’t relent until he got to the bottom of it, Jiang Ruan explained the whole story, though she omitted the part about her argument with Xiao Shao. She said, "The Brocade-clad Guards are ultimately his people. Love me, love my dog—but by the same token, if I dislike his Brocade-clad Guards, I naturally dislike him too. So I wanted to step out to clear my mind and think things through calmly."
"You mean..." Jiang Xin Zhi looked at her uncertainly, then lowered his head in thought for a moment before saying, "This is indeed rather strange. I’ll keep an eye on it. Since that’s the case, you should stay here a while longer. If Xiao Shao won’t stand up for you, he deserves your anger." He added indignantly, "I ought to teach him a lesson."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, then suddenly remembered something. "Elder Brother, there’s something I need to tell you."
Jiang Xin Zhi grinned. "What is it?" His eyes lit up with sudden excitement. "Could it be that I’m about to become an uncle?"
"Don’t be ridiculous," Jiang Ruan said, torn between laughter and exasperation. "I wanted to tell you that in the current struggle for the throne between the Thirteenth Prince and the Eighth Prince, even if we can barely remain neutral for now, it’ll become impossible later on. Eventually, we’ll have to pick a side. Elder Brother, I stand with the Thirteenth Prince."
"Oh," Jiang Xin Zhi replied, somewhat disappointed. Even as Jiang Ruan spoke of such weighty matters, he simply said, "Even if you hadn’t told me, I would’ve chosen the Thirteenth Prince’s side in the end."
"Why?" Jiang Ruan asked, puzzled. Jiang Xin Zhi had always been gentle and upright. Even though the battlefield had hardened him, it hadn’t eroded the innate sense of justice in his bones. For someone like him to pledge allegiance to a faction and step into the turmoil of court politics was no small matter.
"Xuan Li once acted against you—how could I ever side with him?" Jiang Xin Zhi snorted. "As for Xuan Pei, though he doesn’t seem easy to deal with either, at least he’s helped you out before."
"That’s a rather simple way of looking at it," Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but laugh again. After speaking with Jiang Xin Zhi, she felt considerably lighter. Once he left, she returned to her room to rest and slept soundly through the night.
In the following days, Jiang Ruan stayed at the General's Residence. The household was overjoyed to see her staying there for the first time, eager to bring out every good thing they had to make her happy. Every single person in the residence treated her with kindness—not the superficial kindness of strangers on the street, but genuine, heartfelt warmth from family. As a result, Jiang Ruan found herself even happier here than at the Brocade Hero King Manor. She simply had the General's Residence send word to the manor that she would be staying a few more days.In the Brocade Hero King Manor, Xiao Shao sat in his study when a servant came in and reported, "Master, the General's Residence has sent another letter saying the young mistress will stay there for a few more days." The servant wiped his sweat nervously. These days, Butler Lin had been working the messengers ragged. Jiang Ruan hadn't returned since the day she went to visit the Zhao family's third daughter-in-law. If staying the first night could be excused as traveling being inconvenient after dark, and the second day as family catching up, this prolonged absence was becoming unbearable. The straightforward folks at the General's Residence couldn't read between the lines, but everyone in the Brocade Hero King Manor understood the underlying message: Jiang Ruan might as well have written in bold letters—"This princess consort is angry and has returned to her maiden home!"
With Jiang Ruan's delayed return, every messenger sent to urge her back brought the same reply: "The princess consort isn't ready to leave yet and wishes to stay longer." While it was generally frowned upon for a married woman to overstay at her maiden home, given the General's Residence's status and Jiang Ruan's position, no one dared comment. Butler Lin, however, was beside himself with anxiety, wishing he could drag Xiao Shao to the General's Residence to apologize and bring their mistress back.
Butler Lin cautiously suggested, "Master, perhaps it's time you personally visit the General's Residence. Counting the days, it's been over ten now. This can't go on." He barely stopped himself from adding "and think of continuing the family line."
Xiao Shao remained silent. His expression, as always, was unreadable, leaving Butler Lin uncertain of his thoughts. A few days prior, Qi Feng had come looking for Jiang Ruan, unaware she had returned to the General's Residence. He brought a large chest of novel trinkets, claiming they were specially reserved for Jiang Ruan by a friend. Xiao Shao's face had darkened to the shade of a pot's bottom, and his attitude toward Qi Feng was unusually cold and stiff—so much so that Butler Lin felt awkward witnessing it. Qi Feng left quickly, and the interaction between the two had clearly ended on an unpleasant note.
Xiao Shao had always gotten along well with his martial brothers, known for his fairness and loyalty. This was the first time he had shown such displeasure toward Qi Feng. Butler Lin mused to himself that Xiao Shao's behavior clearly indicated he cared for Jiang Ruan—so why couldn't he just swallow his pride?
As he was pondering, he saw Jin Yi hand over an invitation card. These cards were usually managed by Butler Lin, so it was odd for Jin Yi to have one. Butler Lin was startled, wondering if Jin Yi was trying to take over his duties. He quickly stole a glance—his sharp eyes allowing him to read it in an instant. The card was from the Mo residence and casually mentioned a few other names. One name in particular struck Butler Lin as familiar, though he couldn’t quite place it. While he was still racking his brain, he heard Xiao Shao glance at it and say, "Prepare the horse."
So he was going? Jin Yi swiftly fetched a cloak. Xiao Shao left in such a hurry that he barely paused, leaving Butler Lin standing there dumbfounded. Suddenly, he slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Ah! The Yao family! Aren’t they those bandits who wanted to ravage our young master?"
......
The moon was bright, the stars sparse, and the night as dark as ink. Lianqiao had gone out to prepare hot water for Jiang Ruan’s bath, while Tianzhu stood guard outside. Jiang Ruan remained in the courtyard. The early spring breeze was still chilly, though not as biting as before. The night air was fresh, and the courtyard walls were covered with moon vines, their tiny blossoms exuding a faint fragrance, enchanting in the moonlight.
Luzhu had just walked under the moon vines to pluck some petals when something suddenly thudded on the other side of the wall, startling her. She was about to cry out when she saw a large black-and-white cat dart swiftly past.
"It was just a cat," Luzhu said, patting her chest. But as she turned, she heard Jiang Ruan say, "Go inside first. I’ll sit here for a while."
Luzhu obediently carried her basket back into the house. Only then did Jiang Ruan turn around. The moment Luzhu entered, a tall, slender figure emerged from beneath the moon vines behind her. The figure stood beneath the flowers, straight and poised, as if he had been there all along. Jiang Ruan showed no surprise, merely standing a few paces away, silently watching him.
The clouds gradually parted, and the moonlight spilled down, illuminating the figure clearly. It was a young man, handsome and gallant, clad in dark brocade as he moved through the night. The moonlight bathed his face, enhancing his ethereal beauty—so striking he seemed like an immortal descended from the fairy mountains of Qionglai, gazing indifferently upon the mortal world.
Jiang Ruan wore a long, crimson gown with a delicate hem that trailed elegantly on the ground, embroidered with large golden flowers that dazzled the eye. Her beauty was radiant, made even more alluring by the night.
Somewhere, a stray cat let out a soft mewl. Jiang Ruan, stunning in her fiery red gown, exuded an air of lethal grace. She said, "What brings the prince here so late at night?"
The young man, clad in dark brocade and exuding noble charm, lowered his gaze and replied coolly, "I’ve heard much about the General's Residence’s eldest daughter’s innate allure. I came to see for myself."
"Innate allure is nothing special," Jiang Ruan retorted coldly. "Your Highness need only look in a mirror to see what true bewitching beauty is." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked back into the house, slamming the door behind her.The aloof young man left behind suddenly showed a crack in his expression. How bold, actually slamming the door? But then a timid guard nearby hesitantly reached out. Xiao Shao shot him a dark look, and Jin San, his legs weak, whispered, "Master, this won't do. The young mistress definitely won't forgive you."
Sure enough, he was still angry. Xiao Shao pressed his lips together, his gaze toward the door now filled with uncertainty.
OpenNovel