That night, Jiang Ruan finally managed to coax the truth out of Xiao Shao. It turned out that when Xiao Shao first took over the Brocade-clad Guards, he had ventured deep into the Southern Borderlands to deal with the remnants of the fallen Southern Borderlands kingdom. The leader at that time was the younger brother of the former king. The terrain of the Southern Borderlands was complex, filled with poisonous insects and plants, making it easy to fall into peril. It wasn’t suitable for large-scale frontal assaults. Back then, Xiao Shao was young and fearless, charging into the Southern Borderlands alone and slaying its leader on horseback. The ordeal must have been perilous, but Xiao Shao was a man who valued results—and the result was his success.
A young man, fresh and inexperienced, yet possessing such formidable prowess, was already terrifying in the eyes of the Southern Borderlands people. Moreover, Xiao Shao’s unparalleled beauty, coupled with his cold and mysterious demeanor, naturally drew the attention of one person—the Holy Maiden of the Southern Borderlands, Dan Zhen.
Dan Zhen was the Holy Maiden of the Southern Borderlands. At that time, Xiao Shao was only about fourteen or fifteen, and Dan Zhen was even younger. Though they stood on opposing sides, Dan Zhen developed feelings for him. This wasn’t unusual—Xiao Shao stood out too conspicuously among his peers. As the Holy Maiden, Dan Zhen had lived a life of asceticism, so encountering such a striking and handsome young man naturally stirred admiration in her heart. However, the Southern Borderlands people guarded their Holy Maiden closely. Unlike Qi Man, who was a princess of the royal family—protected as a matter of national pride—the Holy Maiden was the embodiment of their faith, her protection a matter of spiritual significance.
Yet, the Holy Maiden was destined to remain unmarried and childless, a solitary existence for life. Dan Zhen’s way of expressing her affection for Xiao Shao was to pursue him relentlessly, even to the point of attempting to kill him. This seemed to align with the Southern Borderlands people’s intense possessiveness. When Xiao Shao returned to the capital with the head of the Southern Borderlands leader, Dan Zhen dispatched dozens of elite assassins to ambush him, hoping to bring him back—even if only as a puppet or captive. That day, Xiao Shao fought and killed every one of those assassins, returning to the capital severely wounded. It was during this journey that he first encountered Jiang Ruan.
As Xiao Shao recounted this story, he also mentioned his past connection with Jiang Ruan. She was surprised—earlier, when Xiao Shao had spoken of repaying a debt of gratitude, she hadn’t paid it much mind, likely because she hadn’t remembered it. But now, hearing the full story from Xiao Shao, Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but reflect on those events with emotion.
Yet, the conversation eventually circled back to Dan Zhen. Jiang Ruan glared at him. Previously, Yao Niannian hadn’t shown any overt interest in Xiao Shao, but because of the Emperor’s intentions, she had still been a rival. Moreover, when Jiang Ruan first met the real Yao Niannian, she had sensed the woman’s inner turmoil—her feelings for Xiao Shao were undeniable. Now that Yao Niannian was dead, here came Dan Zhen, whose obsession with Xiao Shao spanned years. The thought that Xiao Shao had been coveted by a woman for so long did not sit well with Jiang Ruan. She said, “You really are a magnet for trouble, aren’t you?”Xiao Shao was slightly taken aback, his expression turning somewhat helpless. How could this be blamed on him? He had always been cold-hearted and indifferent, never noticing Dan Zhen's feelings initially. Even when he later became aware, they meant nothing in his eyes. Life is rather peculiar—Xiao Shao himself never imagined there would come a day when he'd feel the desire to protect a woman for eternity. If Xiao Shao hadn't foreseen it, Dan Zhen certainly couldn't have either. The jealousy in a woman's heart is always terrifying. If Xiao Shao remained aloof toward everyone, Dan Zhen might have accepted the rejection. But the moment another woman appeared, showered with Xiao Shao's affection, Dan Zhen would realize he wasn't perpetually cold—a realization that would undoubtedly shatter her.
"No wonder she kept calling me the Princess of Great Peace..." Before Xiao Shao could respond, Jiang Ruan continued, "She resents my status as the princess consort. This shows she isn’t adept at restraint, at least not in matters of the heart. Though she’s skilled at manipulating people—like how she used Luzhu and Jin Er that day—she struggles to control her own emotions. Perhaps it’s due to her position. As the revered Holy Maiden, surrounded by those who obey her every whim, she’s never faced setbacks." Jiang Ruan analyzed calmly.
In a game of strategy, an opponent who can endure silently is far more formidable. Jiang Ruan and Xuan Pei had learned restraint through the blood and tears of their past lives, having suffered neglect in their youth. Xuan Li, too, mastered patience—remarkable for someone born into privilege. Dan Zhen, however, as a woman, couldn’t suppress her emotions—her greatest weakness. By comparison, Qi Man was far more terrifying. As a princess of the Southern Borderlands, Qi Man had lived a life of luxury, yet she concealed her identity, disguising herself as the neglected Da Yiniang in the Minister’s household. To maintain this facade flawlessly for years was no small feat. And that very flawlessness was her greatest vulnerability—even Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but feel a chill at the thought.
While Jiang Ruan pondered Qi Man’s schemes, Xiao Shao noticed her furrowed brow and silence, mistaking it for distress over Dan Zhen. No matter how composed he usually was, Xiao Shao often found himself at a loss when it came to Jiang Ruan. Unlike Jin Er, who excelled at lifting spirits, Xiao Shao grew tense seeing her displeased. After a brief pause, he placed a hand on her shoulder and asked, "Shall I kill her?"
Jiang Ruan: "..." That was abrupt—she hadn’t even said anything. If Dan Zhen heard Xiao Shao’s words now, she’d likely spiral into jealous rage again.
Receiving no reply, Xiao Shao took it as tacit agreement. Without another word, he leaned in, tilting her chin up. Caught off guard, Jiang Ruan barely had time to react before he kissed her.
Butler Lin had once said: Women are tender-hearted. If sweet words fail, a kiss will do—the more forceful, the better.
Xiao Shao’s aggressive advance left Jiang Ruan speechless. The instigator, pleased with the result, thought to himself: Indeed, Butler Lin hadn’t lied. This method worked wonders.
...In an inconspicuous residence somewhere in the capital, everything appeared ordinary at first glance. Servants swept the courtyard with care, some embroidered, and the scene resembled the comfortable life of a modestly wealthy household. Yet, to a discerning eye, these servants seemed far from simple.
Inside the house, three individuals were present. The woman seated in the highest position looked somewhat haggard, her features plain. However, even her ordinary appearance now carried an unusual air. This was none other than Yi Shuang, the Da Yiniang of the Minister's residence—or rather, the former princess of the Southern Borderlands, Qi Man.
Had anyone from the Minister's household seen Qi Man now, they would have been astounded. Though her face remained unchanged, her demeanor had transformed entirely. Her plain features now bore an alluring expression, every gesture exuding seduction, yet laced with an indescribable chill. She was a far cry from the gentle, reticent Yi Shuang of the past.
"Aunt, what should we do next?" asked the woman seated to Qi Man's lower right. Her voice was unmistakably younger, and the eyes visible above her veil sparkled with a captivating charm that seemed to drip with allure. Clad in red, she radiated a mysterious beauty, though one that felt far more dangerous than enchanting.
"There is no need for haste," Qi Man replied slowly.
"Aunt speaks wisely," the younger woman said, "but you have always been patient. For over a decade, you remained in the capital of the Da Jin Dynasty, perhaps forgetting your identity as a princess of the Southern Borderlands. Yet now that we have returned for vengeance, how can we scurry like rats in the streets? Where does that leave the dignity of our Southern Borderlands?" Though her words seemed innocuous, a sharp edge lurked beneath them.
Qi Man remained silent, but the masked man seated below Dan Zhen, Yuan Chuan, could no longer hold back. He glanced uneasily at Qi Man before speaking cautiously, "Does the princess have a plan?"
The Southern Borderlands harbored mixed feelings toward Qi Man. While the Da Jin Dynasty was their sworn enemy—the very force that had annihilated their kingdom—the root of their downfall lay with Qi Man herself. Had she not provoked the Hongxi Crown Prince or pursued Xiang Xiaoyuan with such ruthlessness, the Southern Borderlands might never have met such a fate. When the Emperor of Da Jin ordered their destruction, territorial expansion was one motive, but vengeance for the Hongxi Crown Prince was likely the greater cause.
To the Southern Borderlands, Qi Man was nothing short of a calamity. Though her people had long resented her, her disappearance had left their grievances unvoiced. Dan Zhen, Qi Man's niece, had once enjoyed royal privileges. Now, with their kingdom in ruins, she was relegated to the role of the Holy Maiden, bound to a life of celibacy—lofty in status but dull in existence. How could she not harbor resentment toward Qi Man?
Moreover, with both women now in the capital, the Southern Borderlands effectively had two leaders. Whom should their followers obey? Who held true authority? By seniority, Qi Man should rightfully lead, yet for years, their people had answered to Dan Zhen. To relinquish control now would be a bitter pill for Dan Zhen to swallow.Yuan Chuan could see clearly—Qi Man was unfathomable, while Dan Zhen refused to admit defeat. Yet at this critical moment, internal strife was the last thing they needed. So he intervened to ease the tension between them and inquired about Qi Man's plans. Unlike Dan Zhen, whose temperament was more impulsive, Dan Zhen had come to the capital ostensibly to make the Da Jin Dynasty pay in blood, but her thoughts had always lingered on that one person. Qi Man, however, had never wavered from her terrifying goal—to exact a bloody price from the entire Da Jin Dynasty.
"The people of Da Jin are reckless and prone to overestimating their cleverness. Recently, you were used as a pawn to harm your own side," Qi Man said slowly. Dan Zhen's expression darkened—Yao Niannian's identity being exposed and her fleeing in disgrace through the capital was a humiliation, and Qi Man was rubbing salt in the wound. Qi Man continued, "This time, we will be the ones to use others as our blades." She smiled faintly, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "No—perhaps it's more accurate to say, 'When the snipe and the clam grapple, the fisherman profits.'"
After saying this, Qi Man rose and left the room. Only after she was gone did Dan Zhen clench her fists and grit her teeth. "What does she think she is?!"
"Mind your words, Holy Maiden," Yuan Chuan cautioned. "At this crucial juncture, restraint is necessary." His words were brief, but he trusted Dan Zhen would understand.
Dan Zhen snorted coldly. Though her expression still bore traces of resentment, she conceded. "Naturally."
...
Meanwhile, at the residence of the Eighth Prince, Xuan Li idly toyed with the thumb ring on his finger. Unlike the agitation he had shown days before, he now appeared utterly composed, exuding an air of serene confidence as if victory were already assured. His advisor sat quietly nearby until a guard hurried in to report, "Your Highness, the letter has been delivered to the palace."
Xuan Li's fingers stilled abruptly. He straightened in his seat, uttering a single, triumphant "Good!" His eyes flashed with rare excitement—a rare display for the usually restrained prince, as though a long-cherished scheme had finally come to fruition.
"Congratulations, Your Highness," the advisor said, rising to bow. "With this move, we will surely catch them off guard. After successive maneuvers, the grand plan is now within reach."
Xuan Li waved a hand, his expression settling back into calm. Yet despite this, a trace of smugness lingered at the corners of his eyes and lips. "By feigning passivity, we lull our opponents into complacency, then strike when they least expect it. With thorough preparation, what can even Jinying Wang do? He’ll have no choice but to yield."
"Your Highness is wise to have severed ties with those Southern Borderlanders early on. Now, we use them to divert Jinying Wang's attention. While he is preoccupied with the Southern Borderlands, the Thirteenth Prince will be left vulnerable, allowing Your Highness to act freely," the advisor praised at the opportune moment.
Xuan Li shook his head. "The Southern Borderlanders are too ambitious—they seek to share half the empire with me. If left unchecked, they will become a festering threat. Better to use them as bait to draw Jinying Wang's focus. That way, when two tigers fight, both will be wounded—and that works to our advantage."
"However, Your Highness," the advisor hesitated slightly, "the Thirteenth Prince may have left a contingency in the palace. He is cunning by nature and may not be so easily deceived."Xuan Li smiled faintly, "Naturally so. I wouldn't have dared to take this step without absolute certainty. Now that everything is progressing step by step according to my plan, it's clear he hasn't noticed. Focusing his efforts outward, trying to win over ministers—that was foolish from the start. This bloody struggle will ultimately be settled within the palace, and in the end, only our father the Emperor holds the final say. Neglecting the root while pursuing the branches—Xuan Pei has committed a grave mistake." Xuan Li even had the leisure to critique Xuan Pei's missteps here, which, given his cautious nature, suggested he was now utterly confident in his position.
"Now, we need only wait for the outcome," Xuan Li said.
...
That day, the Emperor attended court as usual. In recent times, his court sessions had grown shorter, while the time he spent reviewing memorials lengthened. The stacks of documents piled up in the imperial study grew ever taller, and among the ministers, murmurs of discontent began to spread as they speculated about what might be amiss with the Emperor. Yet when some tried to glean information from Dong Xiuyi, who was close to the Emperor, they were told that His Majesty was in good health and there was nothing to worry about.
The other favored consort who could approach the Emperor, Mu Xirou, was a cold beauty, and no one expected to extract any information from her. But the more Dong Xiuyi insisted on the Emperor's well-being, the wilder the ministers' speculations became. At least on the surface, the court remained calm. Only the seasoned officials who had weathered the storms of officialdom for years could keenly detect something unusual in the air, sensing that a great tempest was about to sweep through the Da Jin Dynasty.
And so, on that day, the storm arrived abruptly, shattering decades of tranquility and stirring up immense waves from the very start.
The Emperor, the ruler of the nation, collapsed from the dragon throne during court while listening to a memorial from the Minister of Rites. He remained unconscious, and to this day, had not awakened. All the imperial physicians were summoned, yet they were at a complete loss.
The court was thrown into turmoil. At a time when the succession struggle was nearing its peak, with Southern Borderlanders infiltrating the capital and internal and external crises looming, the ruler of the nation had fallen. Even more alarming was the uncertainty of when—or if—he would wake up. Seeing the grave expressions on the physicians' faces, every minister couldn't help but entertain a dreadful thought: What if... he never wakes up?
The foundations of the Da Jin Dynasty might be thrown into chaos.
The court officials dared not speak of this openly, not even to their own families. The slightest hint of panic among the populace, any knowledge of the imperial family's precarious state, could lead to untold dangers. That day, every minister returned home and began earnestly contemplating their next steps. If the Emperor did not wake, a fierce battle would inevitably erupt between the Eighth Prince and the Thirteenth Prince—a battle where they would stake their fortunes for the chance at boundless wealth and glory. Officials throughout the capital began plotting and scheming, while the palace, though outwardly subdued, seethed with subtle disorder. This chaos and panic were forcibly suppressed by layers of palace regulations, yet the fear continued to spread rapidly. The Emperor's collapse signaled the possible end of an era—and the uncertain dawn of a new one.
But... the Crown Prince had not yet been named. The heir remained unknown.This was the root of all panic. Every struggle for the throne ultimately trampled over countless corpses and rivers of blood. The common people might not see it, but the palace dwellers, tight-lipped as they were, would have those terrifying scenes deeply etched into their hearts.
The imperial physicians of the Tai Hospital were at a loss. Empress Dowager Yide was furious, but even her desperate orders yielded no results. At the critical moment, it was Xuan Pei who learned of the situation and suggested to the Empress Dowager that perhaps they could seek out Xia Qing, the Golden Mausoleum Master Hand. Xia Qing and Xiao Shao were fellow disciples. The Empress Dowager sent someone to invite Xia Qing, who arrived swiftly. After examining the Emperor’s condition, however, he shook his head under the Empress Dowager’s hopeful gaze and uttered only eight words: "The poison runs too deep; medicine is powerless."
"Medicine is powerless"—these words were tantamount to declaring that the Emperor might not have much time left. Poison? The Empress Dowager seized upon the key point: where had the Emperor been poisoned? After a thorough search of the palace, they found no trace of the poison’s origin. Even someone as experienced as Xia Qing couldn’t identify what kind of poison it was. The poisoning was too deep, the toxin too vicious. He had neither the time nor the means to save the Emperor. Likely, before he could even figure out the nature of the poison, the Emperor would already be dead. For now, they could only barely sustain him with medicine, but that was merely a temporary measure—ultimately, there was no solution.
Empress Dowager Yide was enraged. In front of all the imperial physicians, she declared that if the Emperor were to pass away, all the women of the inner palace would be buried with him. Such was the cruelty of the imperial family. In life, these women might have lived in luxury, envied by all, but in truth, they were merely playthings attached to the Emperor. If the Emperor died, their lives would no longer be necessary.
Though the Empress Dowager had spoken these words before the physicians, the women of the inner palace still sensed something amiss. They were not newcomers to the palace, and history was not without precedents of imperial consorts being buried alive. With the Emperor’s sudden collapse, an atmosphere of fear quickly spread through the inner palace. Everyone was uneasy, almost united for the first time in praying for the Emperor’s swift recovery.
Amidst the panic-stricken palace women, two stood out as unusual. One was Mu Xirou, the "Cold Beauty," who had always been indifferent to everything, not even the Emperor’s favor could soften her expression. The other was Dong Yinger, who had been gentle and composed since entering the palace, almost unnaturally mature. That these two were less flustered than the others was understandable.
But how long could this calm last? Everyone knew that a storm was brewing.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Garden, Xuan Pei sat at his desk, practicing his calligraphy stroke by stroke. Even at such a time, he still had the composure to practice writing—a sight that would surely astonish anyone who saw it. But what was truly surprising was not this. Judging a person by their handwriting, Xuan Pei’s strokes were steady, revealing that he was entirely unaffected by the Emperor’s collapse. He remained as composed as ever, so composed it was as if he had long anticipated this event.
"Your Highness, the Eighth Prince is already making moves," Mingyue said. "This is a trap he set. Now that the game has just begun, he will surely launch his offensive. How will Your Highness counter it?"The poison that afflicted the Emperor was undoubtedly administered by Xuan Li's orders. Xuan Pei knew this all too well. Having understood his elder brother from their past life, he could say he comprehended Xuan Li even more than the Emperor did. Beneath that gentle and indifferent demeanor lay a heart capable of such cruelty—calmly and effortlessly executing this patricidal scheme. The Emperor's collapse was sudden, yet the poison had been administered long before.
Xuan Li thought he had seized the initiative by taking advantage of the chaos before the Emperor had officially designated the Crown Prince. Perhaps this was Xuan Li's strategy, but for Xuan Pei, going with the flow was also his tactic. Xuan Li was ruthless, and Xuan Pei was no soft-hearted man either. In this lifetime, he had watched coldly as Xuan Li poisoned the Emperor to this state.
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