A faint smile appeared on Xuan Li's face, but to those present, it held no trace of joy. Instead, it seemed twisted, as if he were suppressing inner fury and agitation.
Among the Emperor's sons, Xuan Li had always been the most composed. In the eyes of many, he was a gentle and refined man of integrity, meticulous in his actions. Such steady composure naturally inspired confidence, which was precisely why many had initially pledged their allegiance to him. Yet at some unknown point, Xuan Li had subtly changed. The days when his emotions remained unreadable seemed long past, and those around him could now often sense his barely restrained agitation—a dangerous trait for someone plotting great schemes.
If even his advisors could see it, how could Xuan Li himself be unaware? There was a time when he had scorned Xuan Hua's recklessness and impulsiveness, but now the tables had turned. He couldn't pinpoint when it had begun. All he knew was that his path to the throne, once smooth, had now become fraught with obstacles. Every move he made seemed anticipated by his opponent. The more agitated he grew, the more leisurely his adversary appeared. Unable to force a quick resolution, his frustration only intensified at this critical juncture—an ominous sign, perhaps even the very concession his opponent sought to extract from him. Steady , Xuan Li reminded himself repeatedly. The Yao family had defected to Xuan Pei because someone had revealed Yao Niannian's death was linked to the Southern Borderlanders—who, in turn, were connected to him. The Yaos lacked the courage to oppose him directly, so they had thrown their lot in with Xuan Pei, using his name to trip Xuan Li up.
The mere thought of this filled Xuan Li with indescribable frustration. It should never have involved him. His plan had been to let others do the dirty work while he watched from a safe distance, reaping the rewards without risk. Yet not only had the Southern Borderlanders failed, but their blunder had dragged him down with them. Brocade Hero King Manor... Xuan Li gritted his teeth. He already had a good idea who had leaked the information. He hadn't expected Xiao Shao to resort to such methods—or perhaps it wasn't Xiao Shao's doing at all, but that woman's .
Xuan Li took a sharp breath. The Southern Borderlanders had sent a secret plea for aid, but acting now would be far too risky. They didn't realize the Yaos now hated him by association. If he intervened carelessly and was caught, he'd be handing the Yaos ammunition to use against him. The wisest course was to remain still and cautious.
The messenger, seeing Xuan Li hesitate to order reinforcements, ventured uncertainly, "Your Highness, about the situation over there—"
"Leave it!" Xuan Li snapped coldly. Even as allies, he wouldn't risk himself to save them now. Besides, the Southern Borderlanders' recklessness had caused this disaster and cost him the Yaos' support. They deserved to face the consequences of their incompetence alone.
...
In Brocade Hero King Manor, Jiang Ruan took a sip of candied water brewed with preserved yellow peel sauce and remarked, "Xuan Li didn't take the bait."Xiao Shao sat to the side, giving an absent-minded "Hmm" without even looking up from the ledger in front of him. His indifferent demeanor made Tianzhu, who was standing nearby, unable to hold back her question: "How does the young madam know he won't intervene? Since they're allies, he would surely lend a hand."
"Allies indeed, but in Xuan Li's eyes, the word 'ally' doesn't exist," Jiang Ruan chuckled. "They've merely come together temporarily due to shared interests. And now that the Southern Borderlanders have bungled things, to Xuan Li, they're nothing more than useless pawns. No matter how much he might need them, his anger still demands an outlet. Moreover, Xuan Li is inherently suspicious—he'll surely assume we've set some trap. Being someone who always prioritizes caution, he absolutely won't intervene now, lest he gets dragged down with them."
"Hmm?" Hearing this, Xiao Shao finally looked up, pondered for a moment, and asked Jiang Ruan seriously, "There isn't a trap?"
Jiang Ruan was momentarily speechless. Of course, there was a trap—one set for the Southern Borderlanders. But Xiao Shao's usual approach was to sweep through like the autumn wind, leaving no one untouched. As for Xuan Li, there were naturally arrangements in place to ensure nothing went awry. What if Xuan Li suddenly remembered his so-called allies?
"But young madam, what should we do now?" Tianzhu frowned. "Our people have already acted, yet we still can't locate those Southern Borderlanders. They're hiding extremely well—there must already be someone aiding them in the capital."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Since they've been able to deal with your master for so many years, they're certainly no ordinary opponents. The art of hiding is a profound one. But discussing this with you is a bit premature. For now, we'll wait it out—they'll make the first move. And while striking first may seem like seizing the initiative, in reality, it disrupts their rhythm. Besides, we have other matters to attend to."
After the Yao family incident, Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao hadn't taken any further action. Though Xiao Shao's arrangements were meticulous, their adversaries were cunning and remained hidden. As a result, Tianzhu had grown somewhat restless these days. Hearing Jiang Ruan's words, she immediately perked up: "Young madam, what other tasks are there?"
"Even if we've caught the mastermind behind this, the underlings can't be spared either," Jiang Ruan said with a faint smile. "Those who bully my people won't get off so easily."
"Young madam means to...?" Tianzhu looked at her skeptically. "That Miss Liao...?"
"Returning their own medicine," Jiang Ruan said coolly. "Originally, serving different masters wouldn't have been an issue. But since she insists on using underhanded tactics against my people, let her taste her own poison."
Tianzhu nodded thoughtfully. Xiao Shao glanced up at Jiang Ruan, who immediately noticed and asked, "What is it?"
"Nothing," Xiao Shao replied nonchalantly, lowering his head again to his ledger. He murmured faintly in admiration, "My wife is quite the strategist."
Jiang Ruan: "..."In the mansion of the capital, two women sat inside the room. One was seated by the door doing embroidery, while the other, a younger woman, was staring down at a book in front of her, though her gaze seemed somewhat unfocused. Zhou Mama, working on her embroidery, couldn’t help but sigh and say, "The Second Young Master hasn’t visited in so long. I wonder if something has happened to him."
Liao Meng followed Zhou Mama’s gaze out the window. Indeed, there was no sign of him. These days, Jin Er had almost stopped coming here for some unknown reason. Even when she secretly sent messages through others, there had been no reply. Liao Meng forced a smile and said, "Mama, there’s no need to worry. Since the Second Young Master is handling affairs for the prince, it’s only natural he might be tied up with urgent matters these days. He’ll surely come when he’s free." Though she was comforting Zhou Mama, her words felt more like an attempt to reassure herself. As Jin Er’s absence dragged on, doubts began creeping into her mind. What could be the reason? Could that maid have used some trick to keep him entangled? With Jin Er not coming and that person also failing to send any news, Liao Meng grew increasingly restless, a vague unease settling in her heart.
She didn’t know who that person was. She only knew that after her parents passed away, leaving her life in dire straits, a mysterious figure had sent her a letter pointing her toward a way out. That way out was Jin Er. For Liao Meng, this was undoubtedly a stroke of luck, and she had followed the advice without hesitation. The person had made no further demands, claiming only to want to help and asking for nothing in return—except for Liao Meng to secure Jin Er’s affections and drive away that little maid.
Everything had gone smoother than Liao Meng had ever imagined, yet the mysterious helper never reappeared. She had wondered if there were ulterior motives, but Jin Er was an opportunity she couldn’t afford to let slip. As a woman with no grand foresight, she could only instinctively grasp at what seemed most desirable before her.
Zhou Mama seemed to detect the uncertainty in Liao Meng’s tone and sighed again. Back when Liao Meng had used her own innocence to bind Jin Er’s loyalty, Zhou Mama had felt it was deeply improper. Once started, there was no turning back. Moreover, such methods were always shameful—reserved for bedroom maids and concubines scheming to climb into their master’s bed. Yet her own mistress, a properly raised young lady, had resorted to such tactics. Zhou Mama was both shocked and heartbroken over Liao Meng’s plight.
Both women were lost in their thoughts when a clamor erupted outside—shouting, scuffling, and the sounds of a struggle. Zhou Mama and Liao Meng exchanged glances. "I wonder what’s happening. This old servant will go take a look," Zhou Mama said, rising to her feet.
"I’ll come too," Liao Meng said, standing as well. The residence was well-hidden in the capital, and Jin Er had arranged for their protection. Even with only two women living there, no one had dared harass them before. Hearing the commotion, Liao Meng’s first thought was that Luzhu had come to make trouble, which was why she decided to investigate.
But no sooner had they reached the entrance than a man’s voice bellowed, "Liao Meng! Liao Meng! Come out here!"Liao Meng was startled, then stormed out angrily, unable to conceal her rage as she demanded, "Who's making such a racket here?" She had nearly become a celebrity in the capital by now. Everyone sympathized with her pitiable circumstances—an orphan bullied by a mere maid. The slightest frown from her would naturally prompt others to stand up for her. People's sympathy for the weak was almost an innate instinct.
"Meng'er, I've finally found you!" The person at the door seemed to have just spotted her and spoke eagerly the moment she appeared. Liao Meng frowned. Zhou Mama had already stepped boldly in front of her, scolding, "Where did this scoundrel come from, daring to slander my young lady's reputation? Who are you?"
The man was middle-aged, around thirty, dark and lean, seemingly from the countryside with a hint of bandit-like roguishness. At a glance, it was clear he was no good. The man retorted, "Zhou Mama, you're truly forgetful! I'm Chen Xi from Dingxi. Back when your household was in trouble, I even delivered goods for you. Meng'er used to come begging for my help all the time. What, now that she's climbed the social ladder in the capital, she turns her back on old friends?"
His words caused another uproar among the crowd. What? Judging by the man's tone, it seemed he had some personal connection with Liao Meng. The way he addressed her so intimately, coupled with the rumor that Liao Meng was also from Dingxi—could there be some unsavory history between them? While people sympathized with the weak, commoners were even more enthralled by scandalous tales. The idea that this seemingly delicate and well-mannered young lady might have a hidden past instantly excited them.
Liao Meng, however, felt her vision darken, nearly fainting on the spot. When she had stepped out earlier, she hadn't gotten a clear look at the man's appearance. Now that she saw him, her soul nearly fled her body. Back in Dingxi, after her parents passed away, she had guarded the family wealth while greedy relatives circled like vultures. Her uncle, in particular, wanted to marry her off early to seize the family fortune. This Chen Xi was a local tyrant in Dingxi, a street thug who bullied men and harassed women. He had taken a fancy to Liao Meng's beauty, and her uncle, who had some business dealings with Chen Xi, intended to marry her off to him.
How could someone as proud as Liao Meng ever accept Chen Xi? But under the circumstances, she had no choice but to play along, pretending to be docile to placate Chen Xi and her uncle. Only with the help of a mysterious benefactor had she managed to escape, thinking she had finally left that filthy life behind. Yet now, Chen Xi's sudden appearance was like a bucket of ice water dumped over her head, leaving her trembling all over.
Before Liao Meng could react, Chen Xi had already begun regaling the onlookers with his tale. He spoke of how he and Liao Meng had been deeply in love, with the elders' approval, and were on the verge of marriage. But on the eve of their wedding, Liao Meng had fled. After traversing mountains and rivers to find her, he had heard the rumors in the capital about her and Jin Er. Heartbroken and furious, he had come to demand an explanation.Chen Xi was quite the character. Having risen from the streets and spent years navigating the rough and tumble of the common folk, he was a smooth talker who could spin tales with the flair of a storyteller. Now, putting on an air of deep affection, he managed to draw the attention of most onlookers. When their gazes shifted back to Liao Meng, their expressions had already changed—as if they were looking at an unfaithful woman who had abandoned her fiancé in pursuit of climbing the social ladder.
Liao Meng was so furious she nearly fainted. But as a refined lady in the eyes of the public, she naturally couldn’t engage in a street brawl with Chen Xi. Even if she tried to explain softly and delicately, how could she match Chen Xi’s silver tongue? There was no way she could gain any advantage. Zhou Mama, however, was incensed. She stepped forward and scolded Chen Xi, "Chen Xi, stop spouting nonsense! When did our young lady ever get engaged to you? That was nothing but your own wishful thinking! Take a piss and look at your reflection—how could someone like you ever be worthy of our young lady?"
Zhou Mama’s sole intention was to defend Liao Meng, but her words were ill-chosen. By saying Chen Xi wasn’t good enough for Liao Meng, she inadvertently lent credence to Chen Xi’s claim that Liao Meng was a woman who craved wealth and status. Liao Meng had already realized this, but Zhou Mama remained oblivious, continuing her tirade with gusto. Left with no choice, Liao Meng stepped forward herself and said, "Chen Xi, you’ve gone too far. We have no grievances between us—why are you slandering my reputation?"
Her words didn’t sound false, and immediately, the crowd’s expressions turned doubtful again. But Chen Xi remained unhurried, as if still harboring boundless sincerity in his heart. "Meng’er," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "No matter how you treat me, you’re the only one in my heart. How can you erase our past? During your hardest days, I stood by you. How… how can you forget all of that?"
Arguing with someone like Chen Xi was a losing battle. Liao Meng could only firmly deny any connection to him. With a cold expression, she said, "Stop your nonsense. You and I are merely fellow villagers—where did all these claims come from?"
"Meng’er!" Chen Xi’s eyes reddened as if her words had wounded him deeply. He took a step forward, his voice filled with sorrow. "How can you say that? You… you even gave yourself to me. How can you claim we were just fellow villagers? Even if you’ve changed your heart now and fallen for the Huang family’s second young master, have you considered what he’ll think when he finds out you’re no longer pure? How will he treat you then? How can you be so naive!"
As soon as Chen Xi finished speaking, the crowd erupted into an uproar. His words carried heavy implications—Liao Meng, who appeared to be a chaste and proper young lady, was no longer pure? Tsk tsk, who would’ve guessed?
Zhou Mama was red with rage, hurling a string of curses at him. Liao Meng stared blankly at Chen Xi before suddenly snapping back to reality. The pointing fingers and judging eyes of the crowd made her feel as though she’d been stripped naked and thrown into the street. But she couldn’t back down now—to retreat would mean admitting defeat. And after sacrificing everything, she absolutely couldn’t lose! Gritting her teeth, she glared at Chen Xi and declared, "Chen Xi, actions require evidence. If you dare tarnish my reputation, you’d better have proof. Otherwise, I’ll take you to court and have you punished!"Upon hearing this, Chen Xi turned to Liao Meng with a peculiar smile—one that carried an indescribable meaning to her, as if he had been waiting for this very moment. No, Liao Meng steadied herself. She had given her body to Jin Er. How could this Chen Xi possibly twist the truth so brazenly? Nothing would go wrong.
Yet, to her shock, Chen Xi suddenly raised his voice, "Meng'er, I never wanted to say this, but now you treat me like an enemy. No man can endure such treatment. Meng'er, since you show no mercy, don’t blame me for being ruthless." As he spoke, he pulled out a pristine white handkerchief from his bundle—except it was dotted with faint red stains. The crowd gasped, then immediately understood what it signified. Some young women in the group even turned their heads away in embarrassment. Chen Xi declared loudly, "This is the proof of our consummation on our wedding night!"
Zhou Mama's vision darkened, and she fainted on the spot. Liao Meng struggled to suppress the fury surging within her. Who could have imagined he would publicly display such a thing? But Chen Xi was a scoundrel, a shameless rogue who would do anything without hesitation. He wasn’t finished yet. He unfolded the handkerchief for all to see clearly—beneath the faint red marks, an embroidered flower was distinctly visible, with the character "Meng" in the lower left corner. Chen Xi continued, "Meng'er, this handkerchief was a gift from you—your personal keepsake. I couldn’t bear to part with it..."
Chen Xi played the role of a heartbroken, betrayed lover to perfection. But his words struck Liao Meng like a thunderbolt, nearly knocking her unconscious.
That night... that delirious night with Jin Er—she had lit the incense given to her by a mysterious figure, placed it beside the orchid, and drugged Jin Er. She had sacrificed her purity to bind that man to her. After that night, her personal handkerchief had gone missing. Assuming it bore her maiden blood and had been taken by Jin Er, she hadn’t questioned it. But now, it was in Chen Xi’s hands. Liao Meng’s mind spun chaotically, and an absurd, terrifying thought surfaced uncontrollably...
Chen Xi pressed on, "Meng'er, when we were together, I knew everything about you. I even know about the tiny red mole on your back. Meng'er, if you demand proof, would you dare let others examine your arm? Let’s see if your chastity mark is still there."
Of course, the chastity mark was gone. A public examination would only confirm she was no longer pure. But that wasn’t what terrified Liao Meng. If the handkerchief had already planted a dreadful suspicion in her mind, the mention of the mole on her back nearly confirmed her worst fear.
That night—the night of passion hadn’t been with Jin Er. It had been Chen Xi. Chen Xi had been the one who took her maidenhood, kept the handkerchief, and discovered the mole on her back. How had Chen Xi gotten in? Why hadn’t Jin Er been affected? Liao Meng couldn’t even begin to process it. In an instant, all strength left her body. She collapsed limply to the ground, her gaze turning blank with despair.Having sacrificed everything and traveled all the way from Dingxi to the capital, only to lose her innocence to Chen Xi, it felt as if everything had returned to square one. She realized with painful clarity—she was ruined.
"So Meng'er, come back with me," Chen Xi swiftly adopted a tender expression again. "I don't care about anything else. Even if you've fallen for the Huang family's second young master now, as long as you return with me, we can still live well together. Isn't that better? If you persist like this, when the second young master learns the truth, wouldn't he be furious? No man can tolerate his wife not being pure. Meng'er, must you remain so stubborn?"
"That's right." A man's voice came from behind the crowd. Liao Meng followed the sound and saw Jin Er standing not far away. The face that usually wore a roguish smile—one that had made her heart flutter—now held no trace of its usual mirth, only an unfamiliar cruelty.
"Why..." she murmured.
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