After Tianzhu finished speaking, she could no longer care about anything else. Yet, she couldn’t leave Luzhu behind, so she had to support her as they struggled to move aside. There, they saw Lianqiao collapsed on the ground, a horrifying knife wound across her chest. The pool of blood must have come from her. Luzhu, clinging to the last remnants of her consciousness, was both shocked and terrified—shocked by Lianqiao’s severe injury, uncertain of her current condition, and terrified that Jiang Ruan had disappeared. Weakly, she tried to call out Jiang Ruan’s name, but Tianzhu abruptly stopped her, saying, “Don’t shout. We’ve been tricked.”
Luzhu wasn’t foolish either. After a moment’s thought, she realized that the assassins among the crowd, who had suddenly begun attacking unarmed civilians, were merely a diversion. Their true objective must have been to abduct Jiang Ruan. The thought sent a chill down her spine. Already weakened from blood loss, her face turned deathly pale, and she swayed unsteadily. “Young Madam is in danger… Tianzhu, what do we do?”
Tianzhu scanned their surroundings. People were still fleeing in chaos when she suddenly noticed something—the small wooden chests containing Empress Dowager Yide’s rewards, which had been loaded behind the carriage, were now all missing. A realization struck her, and she whispered, “So Young Madam did this on purpose…”
“What did you say?” Luzhu’s voice grew fainter. Seeing this, Tianzhu could no longer hesitate. With one unconscious and the other severely injured, though Jiang Ruan’s safety was urgent, letting anything happen to Luzhu and Lianqiao would render Jiang Ruan’s careful planning meaningless. If Jiang Ruan had foreseen this trap, she must have a way to handle it. Having followed Jiang Ruan for so long, Tianzhu had come to understand her temperament well. Without delay, she pulled a signal firework from her sleeve. Though the daylight made the flare less conspicuous, it would still be enough to alert the nearby Brocade-clad Guards for assistance.
Meanwhile, Butler Lin was in the mansion calculating the household expenses for the month, thinking that with the new year just begun, the mansion had yet to replenish its supplies. Despite the undercurrents of unrest in the capital of the Da Jin Dynasty, necessary purchases couldn’t be neglected. As he meticulously tallied the accounts, a panicked voice suddenly interrupted him: “Butler Lin, something terrible has happened!”
Butler Lin looked up to see a young gatekeeper and scolded, “What’s with this flustered behavior? Haven’t I told you all before? Ours is a princely mansion—we must uphold its dignity. Don’t carry on like some petty household, embarrassing our Young Master…”
“Butler Lin, it’s awful! Young Madam has been kidnapped! Lianqiao and Luzhu are both injured! Tianzhu just returned and is searching everywhere for the miracle healer, Xia!” The gatekeeper finally reached him, spilling everything in one breath before exhaling deeply. Before he could react, the composed and dignified Butler Lin, who had been sitting at the table stroking his beard, suddenly leaped from his seat. His voice boomed through the entire mansion: “What?! Where?! Take me there at once!”The news of Jiang Ruan being abducted, with Lianqiao and Luzhu severely injured and currently unconscious, spread throughout the Brocade Hero King Manor in the span of a single incense stick's time. The chaos on the streets earlier had seemed sudden, initially thought to be a random attack by rioters, but no one had imagined the true target was Jiang Ruan. Those men were vicious and savage—who knew what they might do to her? Xiao Shao had yet to return, while Ye Feng had already signaled the Brocade-clad Guards stationed throughout the capital to spare no effort in tracking Jiang Ruan’s whereabouts.
At present, the capital’s magistrate had only just arrived on the scene. Upon learning of Jiang Ruan’s abduction, he was naturally terrified. As the official responsible for local security, it was bad enough that violent assailants had struck right under his nose, but even worse that they had kidnapped the Princess of Brocade Glory. Given Jiang Ruan’s status—not to mention the backing of the Brocade Hero King Manor—even the notoriously protective General's Residence was not someone he could afford to offend. Without hesitation, he immediately ordered an investigation, plunging the capital into further chaos. The citizens were gripped by panic, and the streets lay in complete disarray.
Jiang Xin Zhi was handling official duties at the military camp when a subordinate soldier rushed in to report, “General Jiang, urgent news has just arrived…” The soldier hesitated, his words trailing off. Everyone knew how fiercely protective this young general was of his sister. Even before Jiang Ruan’s marriage, he had guarded her closely. How terrifying would his reaction be upon hearing this news?
Jiang Xin Zhi shot him a glance, his tone darkening. “What is it?” The longer he served in the military bureau, the more his commanding presence as a general of the nation grew. The scholarly refinement of his past had been honed into an unyielding sternness, exuding an aura of authority even without anger. The soldier trembled at his tone and blurted out, “The Princess of Brocade Glory was abducted this evening during a violent riot on the western streets. Her whereabouts remain unknown.”
The moment the words left his mouth, the composed young general abruptly stood, his face paling instantly. His voice carried a barely perceptible tremor as he demanded, “What did you say?”
Before the soldier could decide whether to repeat himself, a gust of wind brushed his face—Jiang Xin Zhi had already stormed out of the camp in a few strides, ignoring the stunned gazes of the recruits in training. He vaulted onto his horse and galloped away.
The soldier stared blankly after him as another recruit sidled up curiously. “What’s wrong with the general? Why the rush?”
“His sister… was kidnapped,” the soldier replied.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Garden of the palace, Xuan Pei stood by the window. For some reason, instead of calming down after Jiang Ruan’s departure, his unease had only deepened, as if something ominous was about to happen. Chaoyang stood silently behind him as Xuan Pei tugged irritably at his collar. The cool breeze against his face did nothing to soothe his agitation. Why was this happening?
Normally, just one meeting with Jiang Ruan would leave him content for days, his heart at ease. But today, for some inexplicable reason, he felt increasingly restless. After much thought, he supposed it might be because Jiang Ruan’s words and actions today had seemed… off.Xuan Pei was deep in thought. Jiang Ruan had given him unusual instructions today, telling him to consult Xiao Shao before making any decisions. But why not discuss it with her? If she were here, there would be no need for him to interact with Xiao Shao. Xuan Pei sensed something amiss—could Jiang Ruan already know what decision he was about to make? And since she wasn’t here, was Xiao Shao acting on her behalf? But why wouldn’t she be here?
The Imperial Edict had now been delivered to Jiang Ruan, who claimed that the Brocade Hero King Manor was the safest place to guard it, enough to draw Xuan Li’s full attention. Diverting Xuan Li’s focus was indeed beneficial... but right now, the edict was still in Jiang Ruan’s hands. Xuan Pei’s eyes widened abruptly as he grasped the crucial point. No, something was wrong here!
He and Jiang Ruan had been mother and son for two lifetimes. Though not related by blood, they shared an almost telepathic connection. In an instant, Xuan Pei realized Jiang Ruan’s plan. He slammed his palm against the windowsill and muttered, “Damn it!”
At the same time, Mingyue rushed in, breathless, and reported, “Your Highness, on her way back to the manor, the Princess was ambushed by assailants. In the chaos, she was abducted—her whereabouts remain unknown.”
Xuan Pei closed his eyes and whispered, “Just as I thought.”
...
That day, many in the capital could sleep soundly. The chaos at dusk had already caused panic, and news of the Princess of Brocade Glory’s abduction spread like wildfire, becoming the talk of the entire city. Some lamented Jiang Ruan’s misfortune—how could a noble princess, once abducted, ever clear her name of suspicion? Others secretly gloated, for envy was an ever-present human flaw, and kicking someone when they were down was a timeless pastime.
Meanwhile, the Brocade Hero King Manor remained brightly lit through the night. The servants dared not even breathe too loudly, their faces grave and anxious. The uncertainty of their young mistress’s fate was torture for them—but no matter how much they suffered, it paled in comparison to their master’s anguish.
The study was as brightly lit as usual, but whereas Jiang Ruan had once sat there reading or writing, waiting for Xiao Shao to return, tonight it was Xiao Shao who sat alone, waiting for someone who wouldn’t be coming back anytime soon.
Butler Lin stood nearby. In the flickering lamplight, his features seemed oddly youthful, even dashing. But no one noticed this at the moment. Watching Xiao Shao, lost in thought at the desk, Butler Lin gently advised, “Master, you should rest. If the young mistress were here, she wouldn’t want to see you like this.”Xiao Shao seemed not to have heard his words, silently staring at the teacup before him. Butler Lin sighed softly, knowing that no words would reach Xiao Shao at this moment. Ever since learning of Jiang Ruan's abduction, Xiao Shao had personally led the Brocade-clad Guards alongside Jiang Xin Zhi, searching every corner of the capital, sealing the city gates and interrogating households one by one—yet there was no trace of her. How could Xiao Shao possibly give up?
Butler Lin gazed at the young man seated at the table, his posture as elegant and unyielding as a pine tree. For a fleeting moment, Butler Lin’s vision blurred, and he seemed to see the Hongxi Crown Prince in the past, when he had learned of Xiang Xiaoyuan’s departure. Back then, the Hongxi Crown Prince had also sat in silence at his desk, staring at the notes Xiang Xiaoyuan had once written, remaining there the entire night.
Perhaps this was the bond between father and son. Who said that royalty was always heartless? Xiao Shao and the Hongxi Crown Prince were both deeply sentimental men. Yet, extreme wisdom invites harm, and profound love is fleeting—Butler Lin couldn’t say whether this was a blessing or a curse. But putting himself in Xiao Shao’s shoes, he knew the young man needed no comfort now. He only needed to sit alone in silence.
Butler Lin did not press further. He withdrew slowly, gently closing the door behind him and instructing the two guards stationed outside before heading to the kitchen to oversee the medicine being prepared for Lianqiao and Luzhu.
Seated at his desk, Xiao Shao remained unmoved by the soft glow of the lamp, his expression as cold and distant as if he had returned to the days when he had first taken command of the Brocade-clad Guards—ruthless, bloodthirsty, indifferent, heartless. Now, someone had warmed that heart, only to vanish abruptly, leaving him with nothing but self-reproach.
His mind replayed the scene from that morning—Jiang Ruan standing on tiptoe to adjust his collar, her quiet promise to take a walk with him when he returned in the evening. Yet when evening came, she was gone.
This was a premeditated scheme, a diversionary tactic by their enemies—but the mastermind behind it all was Jiang Ruan herself. Xiao Shao lowered his gaze. The moment Tianzhu (Nandina) explained the situation, he had understood Jiang Ruan’s plan. She had intended all along to use herself as bait to lure out Xuan Li’s men. She had orchestrated everything, even knowing full well what might happen by dusk that day—yet she had still pretended everything was fine, bidding him farewell with tender affection.
Absolutely… Xiao Shao clenched his fists, his face dark with fury. Unforgivable.
Reckless! Utterly irresponsible! She had no sense of duty as a wife! She hadn’t spared a single thought for her husband! Countless thoughts flashed through Xiao Shao’s mind, but what lingered in the end was heartache and guilt—heartache that she always threw herself into danger for such matters, guilt that as her husband, he had failed to notice any of it. He had vowed to protect her for a lifetime, yet he had fallen short once again.
He closed his eyes, his long lashes casting delicate shadows as they trembled faintly, betraying his exhaustion. Just then, the door was abruptly pushed open. His eyes snapped open, sharp as a blade as he turned toward the entrance—only to see Qi Feng stride in.
“What is it?” He straightened, his tone inevitably curt. His mood today was far from pleasant, even toward Qi Feng.Qi Feng paid no heed to his expression. Due to his special relationship with Xiao Shao, the guards at the door didn't stop him, allowing him to walk straight in. He sat down opposite Xiao Shao's desk, poured himself a cup of tea, and only then met Xiao Shao's icy gaze, saying frankly, "I came to talk about Third Sister-in-law's matter."
Xiao Shao's expression shifted, his gaze suddenly sharpening as it pierced toward Qi Feng. He said coldly, "You knew all along?"
"Yes." As soon as Qi Feng spoke these words, he felt Xiao Shao's gaze grow even more hostile, as if he wanted to tear him apart. As fellow disciples, Qi Feng had seen Xiao Shao's terrifying side before, but even when killing, Xiao Shao always remained detached, unwilling to show the slightest emotion. Yet now, his displeasure was laid bare, making Qi Feng feel immense pressure. He gave a bitter laugh before continuing, "Actually, before this, Third Sister-in-law came to me once to discuss this very matter."
Xiao Shao remained silent, merely staring coldly at him. Qi Feng went on, "Third Sister-in-law had long planned to use this matter to draw out Xuan Li and the movements from the Southern Borderlands. But her most important goal was for the Thirteenth Prince in the palace. Only by doing this would Xuan Li focus all his attention on her, thinking he had obtained the fake Imperial Edict, thereby relaxing his surveillance of the Thirteenth Prince in the palace. This way, the Thirteenth Prince would be much safer, buying some time." Pausing briefly, Qi Feng added, "I once asked Third Sister-in-law whether the fake Imperial Edict wasn't too risky—if discovered, it could even be a capital offense. But she said she had the real Imperial Edict, just not that particular one. I don't know the details of the discrepancy, as Third Sister-in-law seemed unwilling to elaborate. But she was so confident that it must be fine. Though the plan is risky, it truly is the best method. It simplifies the situation, and without Xuan Li realizing it, he's already fallen into the trap."
Xiao Shao was slightly taken aback—not because Jiang Ruan had discussed this with Qi Feng, but because of the key point in Qi Feng's words. Qi Feng said Jiang Ruan's fake Imperial Edict wasn't fake. To deceive Xuan Li's people, a simple fake edict wouldn't suffice, yet Jiang Ruan hadn't explained the reason to Qi Feng. If she had truly discussed the matter with Qi Feng to this extent, there would be no reason to hide anything—unless the matter was of such importance that it couldn't be disclosed to Qi Feng. Xiao Shao already had the answer in his heart—his own origins. Thus, the contents of that edict were clear: it must be an edict naming him as the heir to the throne.
The Emperor had always wanted him to take that position. Xiao Shao knew this, and he had always made it abundantly clear that he had no interest in the throne. The Emperor was stubborn, and over the years, he had never given up. Yet Xiao Shao hadn't expected the Emperor to go so far as to use his own life to force him onto the throne, even going so far as to hide an edict.
For Xiao Shao, this edict was a hot potato. Once discovered, his origins would be exposed—the last thing he wanted. Staying away from the imperial family and the undercurrents of the court was what the old Jinying Wang had always hoped he could do. Even though the old Jinying Wang wasn't his biological father, Xiao Shao had never forgotten this admonition.All these years, he had been maneuvering around the Southern Borderlands, walking the edge of danger, frequently leaving the capital—all to avoid being entangled in the court's intrigues. He preferred straightforward killing over treacherous schemes. Jiang Ruan knew he didn’t want to be Emperor. Her decision was partly to divert Xuan Li’s attention from Xuan Pei, but more importantly, it was for him.
To free him from future worries, to sever this imperial decree from Xuan Li’s grasp—this was the choice she made for him.
No wonder, that night when Jiang Ruan asked him, "Do you want to be Emperor?"—this was what she meant. She had long known about the Imperial Edict the Emperor had left for him. She was using her own way to help him resolve these troubles.
All along, everyone seemed to think Jiang Ruan was cold-natured, warm on the surface but icy inside. Even Xiao Shao had grown more humane after marriage, yet Jiang Ruan remained unchanged. But Xiao Shao knew—she just wasn’t good at expressing herself. Like now, she was silently giving in her own way.
Seeing the pensive look in Xiao Shao’s eyes, the shifting emotions in his gaze, Qi Feng couldn’t help but feel a bitter ache. He cleared his throat before speaking. "The reason Third Sister-in-law came to me was because she knew you would never agree to let her take such a risk. Rather than letting you guard against it, she decided to act first. The information Xuan Li’s people in the palace received—I was the one who deliberately leaked it to them."
Xiao Shao glanced at him but said nothing, standing up to leave. Qi Feng also rose, grabbing his arm. "What are you doing?"
"Let go." Xiao Shao pulled his sleeve free.
Qi Feng pressed a hand on his shoulder. "You’re going to order the Brocade-clad Guards, aren’t you? Don’t!"
Xiao Shao stared at him coldly. Qi Feng urged, "Think carefully—why did Third Sister-in-law do this? She’s putting herself in danger, all for you. If you summon the Brocade-clad Guards now, yes, she’ll be rescued, but all her efforts will be wasted, and Xuan Li will be on guard. Wouldn’t that be a loss greater than the gain?" Seeing Xiao Shao remain silent, he exhaled and continued, "I know you’re furious right now. I... I understand. But you must stay calm. With Third Sister-in-law gone, only you can carry out her plan. If even you lose your composure, the Brocade Hero King Manor will fall into chaos. How angry would she be if she saw that?"
Only after finishing did he realize his emotions had spilled over too openly, leaving him somewhat embarrassed. His feelings for Jiang Ruan were obvious to anyone with eyes. Though he had never crossed any lines and had always maintained a proper distance, whenever he met Xiao Shao’s indifferent gaze, he couldn’t help but feel guilty. Xiao Shao never said or did anything, yet Qi Feng could sense his deep displeasure at Jiang Ruan’s closeness to him. This aloof, detached man had an overwhelming possessiveness—one that forbade even the slightest thought.
Xiao Shao gave him another glance, his dark eyes unreadable, and said flatly, "I’m going to rest." Without another look at Qi Feng, he strode out.Qi Feng was left standing there in a daze for quite a while before he awkwardly rubbed his nose and let out a bitter laugh. That petty Xiao Shao was clearly still displeased. Wasn't venting his dissatisfaction like this a bit childish?
Xiao Shao walked toward the house with his back to Qi Feng, gradually calming down inside. He knew Qi Feng was right—though it pained him, he should respect Jiang Ruan's decision. Seizing this opportunity she had created at the risk of her own safety to deal Xuan Li a heavy blow was the best course of action now, the only way to honor her efforts. She had faith in herself, and he should have faith in her too.
But... At the thought of Qi Feng's earlier words, Xiao Shao's eyes darkened again. Why did Jiang Ruan spend so much time with Qi Feng lately? That brat had ill intentions and was downright irritating to look at. Who knew what she saw in him? If she really needed to discuss something, she could have gone to Xia Qing. And why was she so sure he wouldn’t agree with her ideas? He had always been perfectly reasonable.
Xiao Shao had completely forgotten that someone as straightforward as Xia Qing couldn't possibly come up with any good ideas with Jiang Ruan. As for himself, he would always prioritize Jiang Ruan's safety above all else. The only one who could view this matter fairly from a neutral standpoint was Qi Feng. However, Xiao Shao currently found Qi Feng displeasing no matter how he looked at him, and he also felt somewhat displeased with Jiang Ruan for making this decision privately. He secretly resolved in his heart that once Jiang Ruan returned, he would definitely punish her properly to assert his authority as the husband.
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