No matter how turbulent the affairs in the capital became, within the courtyard where Jiang Ruan resided, not a whisper of news could be heard—the mute maidservant could not speak. Accompanying her, apart from the large white dog that served as her cover, was only the child growing in her womb. As the days passed, Jiang Ruan could feel her belly slightly swelling, and even a gentle touch revealed a distinct bulge. Nowadays, she wore slightly looser clothing, and since no one but the mute maidservant saw her, it remained undetected for the time being. Yet this could not go on forever—as time passed, her condition would become increasingly noticeable. And the people she would eventually come into contact with would certainly not be limited to the mute maidservant alone. Thus, with each passing day, her danger grew.
Completely cut off from the outside world, Jiang Ruan had no idea what the current situation was beyond these walls. She was not without anxiety, but for now, her only concern was to protect the child in her belly. Everything else would have to be considered only after ensuring the child's safety.
One day, after finishing her meal—though the mute maidservant had prepared more food, including meat, for the sake of the white dog—it was still far from enough for a woman with child. Moreover, Jiang Ruan had long-standing ailments, and her constitution had never been strong to begin with. As a result, she had grown noticeably weaker over these days.
Leaning on the soft couch, she idly flipped through the storybooks that had been specially prepared for her on the table, though her gaze never truly settled on them, lost in her own thoughts. Until an unfamiliar voice called out, "Princess of Great Peace."
Jiang Ruan lifted her eyes to see a man in gray robes standing at the door. His left cheek was concealed behind a mask, revealing only half his face, and his pair of eerie, greenish-blue fox-like eyes marked him unmistakably as Yuan Chuan.
A slight shock ran through her. With her pregnancy, her reactions had grown increasingly sluggish—she hadn’t even noticed when this person had entered the room. She did not rise, remaining motionless on the couch, the loose folds of her robe perfectly concealing the bulge of her belly.
Yuan Chuan slowly stepped inside, a smile playing on his lips—though with only half his face visible, the expression seemed particularly unsettling. He casually seated himself on the wooden chair before Jiang Ruan and spoke leisurely, "It’s been a long time, Princess. You’ve grown much thinner."
Jiang Ruan remained silent, so Yuan Chuan continued, "Just the other day, I saw Prince Xiao. He, too, seemed to have lost weight. Truly, husband and wife share the same heart—I must say, I’m quite impressed."
"Your visit today surely isn’t merely to exchange such pleasantries with me," Jiang Ruan finally spoke. "May I ask what brings you here?"
Yuan Chuan chuckled. "The Princess is as straightforward as ever, though you seem a bit impatient now. To be frank, I haven’t come today to reminisce. I’m here to tell you something."
Jiang Ruan’s gaze settled on him, her tone calm. "What is it?"
Yuan Chuan paused before replying leisurely, "General Jiang has been imprisoned in the dungeons. The Thirteenth Prince is under house arrest. And the Zhao family’s young lady, who was already betrothed to General Jiang, is now entangled in murder charges—no, wait, not just the young lady, but the entire Zhao family. They’re now accused of plotting against His Majesty. I’m afraid they won’t be able to escape this unscathed."Jiang Ruan listened quietly, showing no change in expression at Yuan Chuan's words. Seeing this, Yuan Chuan's gaze flickered slightly as he instinctively tried to scrutinize her face more carefully.
Xuan Li was about to make his move, but before that, he needed to test Jiang Ruan one last time. At this critical juncture, Xuan Li couldn't show himself, and the Holy Maiden harbored personal feelings toward Jiang Ruan. Yuan Chuan didn't believe Dan Zhen could gain any advantage in probing Jiang Ruan, so he had no choice but to step forward himself. He knew Jiang Ruan was cunning and treacherous, yet after saying all this, he couldn't detect the slightest flaw in her demeanor, which made him suspicious.
One was her own elder brother, another her closest confidante, and the third her future master who would determine her prospects—no matter what, Jiang Ruan shouldn't have remained so indifferent. But Jiang Ruan had always been adept at controlling her emotions. Perhaps she was merely playing the fool to deceive him.
"Envoy," Jiang Ruan spoke up just as Yuan Chuan's thoughts raced. "Or should I call you the Southern Borderlands' envoy now? Your Holy Maiden once met with me, and from her words, it seemed she wished to seize all the lands of the Da Jin Dynasty. Perhaps I shouldn't call it delusional, but the Southern Borderlands is merely a tiny state. Even at the peak of its power, it was no match for the Jin Dynasty. Why such arrogance now?" Jiang Ruan didn't respond to Yuan Chuan's earlier remarks but instead brought up another matter. Yuan Chuan's expression shifted slightly before he smiled. "Is the County Princess concerned about our Southern Borderlands?"
"Concern is too strong a word. But people do enjoy watching a spectacle," Jiang Ruan replied with a faint smile. "I don't know what agreement your country has reached with the Eighth Prince, but from where I stand, it's rather puzzling. Your country is bent on overthrowing the Thirteenth Prince to put the Eighth Prince on the throne—could it be you're merely toiling for another's benefit? Forgive my bluntness, but our Eighth Prince isn't one to surrender his ambitions lightly."
"Everything in this world has its price. Our deal with the Eighth Prince naturally involves equal terms," Yuan Chuan shifted the topic. "Since the Southern Borderlands and the Eighth Prince are now allies, and his prospects look bright, we naturally rejoice. But aren't you worried about your elder brother, County Princess?"
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "My brother has done nothing wrong. Even if he's temporarily imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison, the truth will come out eventually. Why should I worry?"
Her frankness only deepened Yuan Chuan's suspicion. Could Jiang Ruan have some hidden plan? Yet he couldn't fathom what it might be. His gaze fell on the large white dog napping in the corner of the room. He knew Jiang Ruan had asked a mute maid for a dog. At first, he had wondered if there was some trick involved, but after observing for a long time, he found nothing amiss. Whenever Jiang Ruan left her room, she was watched by countless eyes—there was no room for tricks. Moreover, she rarely stepped out. A woman who couldn't even leave her quarters could hardly stir up any trouble.Yet, if one were to say Jiang Ruan truly kept a large white dog out of fear of loneliness, something still felt off. For the first time, Yuan Chuan felt a headache coming on. He suddenly realized that the women of the Da Jin Dynasty were far more inscrutable than those of the Southern Borderlands, their thoughts nearly impossible to decipher. Jiang Ruan, in particular, was the most baffling of them all. He remarked casually, "Could it be that the County Princess is deceiving me? If you were truly at ease, why would you neglect feeding the dog so much that it has grown so thin?"
The large white dog did indeed look gaunt. Jiang Ruan froze momentarily. She had been using the dog as an excuse to eat daily, but an animal's growth was always visibly apparent. This dog had likely been well-fed before, yet in just a short time, it had become so emaciated that its condition was glaringly obvious.
She remained silent, and this quietness reassured Yuan Chuan somewhat. He inwardly sighed in relief, thinking Jiang Ruan must have been putting on a false front. With the situation now settled, there was little room for reversal. Given this, he could inform Xuan Li to act immediately—there was no time to waste.
Yuan Chuan’s mood lightened considerably. He glanced at Jiang Ruan. This woman had always been a thorn in the Holy Maiden’s side. As the Holy Maiden’s most trusted advisor, his life’s purpose was to clear all obstacles from her path. Qi Man and Xuan Li wanted to keep Jiang Ruan alive to leverage Xiao Shao’s power, but Dan Zhen’s heart desired nothing more than Jiang Ruan’s death—a goal he would ultimately fulfill for her. He would find a way to sabotage Xuan Li’s plans. Once Jiang Ruan was rescued by Xiao Shao, it would be far harder to strike again. Yuan Chuan already had a plan in mind for how to discreetly ensure this woman’s demise. He stood up and looked down at Jiang Ruan. "Originally, I came today thinking the County Princess might be lonely and unaware of the outside situation, so I intended to inform you. But seeing how composed you are, untroubled by it all, I am satisfied. The County Princess need not dwell too much on it. Once the situation is settled, you will surely be given a place to call home."
With these words, he laughed heartily and left without another glance at Jiang Ruan, as though he held absolute certainty in his heart. Only after Yuan Chuan had gone did the calm on Jiang Ruan’s face slowly fade, her eyes revealing a hint of relief but also a trace of tension.
Yuan Chuan’s deliberate visit meant Xuan Li had already begun to act. Everything was unfolding as she had anticipated. His probing suggested they hadn’t yet noticed anything amiss. Today, she had played along with Yuan Chuan’s expectations, knowing he would report the results of his test to Xuan Li. With Xuan Li’s confidence bolstered, he would finally take action—she needed to hasten his moves.
Everything here was predictable, except for two things: her pregnancy and the fact that this place was so well-hidden no one had found her yet. This made the child in her womb particularly vulnerable. The large white dog was a decoy, but she didn’t know how long it would hold. Each passing day brought greater danger—today had been perilously close to exposure.
As Yuan Chuan stepped out of the room, he happened to see the mute maid carrying leftovers to wash. Noticing how little food remained and how oversized the plates and dishes were, he paused, then asked, "Is this the dog’s meal?"The mute maid opened her mouth with an "ah ah" sound and nodded haphazardly a few times. Yuan Chuan frowned. "Eating so much, yet still so emaciated..." The food and dishes the mute maid carried seemed plentiful, but the white dog he saw at Jiang Ruan's place today was not the least bit plump—it was even quite gaunt. Normally, Yuan Chuan wouldn't have paid attention to such trivial matters, but anything related to Jiang Ruan made him feel there was more to it, compelling him to get to the bottom of things. Thus, he found himself lost in thought over this matter.
The mute maid stumbled and accidentally dropped the tray onto the ground. Startled from his contemplation, Yuan Chuan glanced at the mess with disgust. Unable to figure out the reason, he turned away in frustration and left.
......
At the Brocade Hero King Manor, Xiao Shao changed into his official robes. Since he rarely attended court and spent most of his time traveling outside, he seldom wore his official attire, so the robes were still brand new. The Qilin embroidered with gold thread looked majestic, and once he donned the splendid attire, he immediately appeared imposing and dignified.
He was naturally handsome, standing out strikingly even in a crowd. But today, an unfamiliar man accompanied him. This man wore an official robe of dark red with floral patterns, its style somewhat outdated, resembling designs from years past. Yet on him, it didn't seem rigid at all—instead, it exuded a mellow charm like aged fine wine.
This was an exceptionally handsome middle-aged man, his features still strikingly vivid now, let alone imagining his youthful elegance. He carried the refined air of a scholar, yet with a touch of nonchalance and charm, giving off a mingled sense of maturity and youthful vigor.
The man looked at Xiao Shao and said, "Master, let's go."
Outside the manor, two horses stood side by side at the hitching post—one pitch-black, the other snow-white. Xiao Shao mounted the black steed with a leap, while the man naturally mounted the white one. With a crack of their whips, the two rode off. Meanwhile, on the rooftop behind the manor gate, Jin San spat out the grass he had been chewing and remarked, "Who would've thought Butler Lin was actually such a handsome man? I always thought he was bluffing."
Jin Si shook his head. "Appearances can be deceiving. When he acts serious, he almost seems unfamiliar."
Lately, everyone in the Brocade Hero King Manor had noticed the changes in Butler Lin—growing younger and more handsome day by day. In this world, apart from disguises, there was likely no method to make someone look better, and disguises were usually instantaneous—certainly not something that progressed gradually. However, the Brocade-clad Guards, seasoned travelers of the martial world, were all well-informed individuals. As they observed, they began to discern the truth—perhaps Butler Lin had once taken some drug to alter his appearance, making himself uglier and older to conceal his true looks. Now, having taken the antidote, he was gradually returning to his original appearance."After searching for so long, finally finding the antidote should be very joyful," Jin San remarked with emotion. "Now, no one can doubt his claim of being a handsome man." Transforming from ugly to beautiful is something that would make anyone happy—who would complain about looking good? Butler Lin was also someone who cared about appearance. Even in his previous state, he would often critique his own looks. Now that he has a face that complements his attire perfectly, isn't that a great joy in life?
"Not necessarily," Jin Si shook his head. "All these years, he has faithfully played the role of a butler. It's not that he didn’t know there was a way to restore his appearance. Just like how we must conceal our identities during missions, Butler Lin likely did the same to hide his true identity."
"Then why has he restored his appearance now?" Jin San found Jin Si's reasoning plausible but still had some doubts.
Jin Si sighed. "Perhaps something has happened now that forced him to reclaim his original identity, rendering his previous disguise unnecessary. Haven’t you noticed how Old Lin’s demeanor has become less and less like the Old Lin we knew?" Jin Si lay back, resting his hands behind his head. "Brocade Hero King Manor is about to lose Old Lin."
The Old Lin of before is gone. Now that the handsome middle-aged man has regained his original identity, he likely won’t return to being a mere butler. A man like that must have a significant background.
Jin San also fell silent. After a long pause, he said, "I hope they succeed in their journey and don’t let Old Lin’s sacrifice of his identity be in vain."
...
Upon entering the palace, Xiao Shao and Butler Lin immediately split into separate paths, clearly heading in different directions. Butler Lin walked through the garden along the front corridor. His unfamiliar appearance drew the attention of eunuchs and guards, who moved to stop him. However, Butler Lin casually unfastened a bronze token from his waist and flashed it before the guards. Startled, they scrutinized it again in disbelief before reluctantly stepping aside. Even after he passed, they couldn’t help but stare after him.
A curious young eunuch approached eagerly and asked, "Brother, what did that man show you just now? Why did you let him through when his face was so unfamiliar?"
"What do you know?" the guard hushed him and replied, "What he held was the late Hongxi Crown Prince’s pass token. There were only two of those tokens—I’ve only seen one before, in Eunuch Li’s possession. But after the Hongxi Crown Prince passed, Eunuch Li never used it again. Who would’ve thought we’d see it today?" At this point, the guard also seemed puzzled. "But who is that man? How does he have such an item? He seemed very familiar with the palace, not like a stranger at all. Could he be an old acquaintance of the Hongxi Crown Prince?"Yes, amidst the intricate paths of the palace, Butler Lin walked with steady steps. So many years had passed, and though some things had changed—new gardens and courtyards had been added—the essence remained unaltered, much like the human heart. It was the easiest thing to change, yet the hardest to truly transform. Butler Lin’s emotions were complex, indescribable at this moment. If he could, he would never set foot in the palace again. His future, his glory, his ambitions, and his closest confidants had all been buried within these cold, unfeeling walls. No one understood the ruthlessness of the deep palace better than he did. Yet today, he had returned—for nothing but a promise.
His steps led him toward Cining Palace.
Yang Gugu carefully massaged Empress Dowager Yide’s shoulders, her touch perfectly measured. Having served the Empress Dowager for decades, Yang Gugu was always meticulous. Normally, by this time, Empress Dowager Yide would have relaxed under her care, but today, her brow remained tightly furrowed, as if weighed down by an unsolvable dilemma.
Yang Gugu sighed inwardly. The news that Xuan Pei might have committed regicide could not be concealed forever. Even if they tried their hardest to suppress it, the Eighth Prince’s faction would never let such an opportunity to attack Xuan Pei slip by. Now, memorials flooded the court, all urging the swift appointment of a crown prince—declaring that the Thirteenth Prince, tainted by moral failings, was unfit for the throne, while the Eighth Prince was the rightful future ruler of the Da Jin Dynasty. Though these voices were not openly clamorous, they had already permeated the entire court. Xuan Pei, under house arrest, remained unaware of these developments—perhaps a blessing in disguise. Yang Gugu thought to herself, He’s just a young boy. To face fratricide and such blatant distortions of truth at his age is far too cruel.
Since Xuan Pei was spared the direct confrontation with these harsh realities, all the pressure fell upon Empress Dowager Yide. A regent dowager could not hold power for too long without inviting public condemnation. History had shown this—like the empress dowager of a previous dynasty who ruled after her husband’s death. Though she governed well, she was ultimately branded a "wicked consort" and overthrown by the court officials and the regent prince.
If Empress Dowager Yide remained silent for too long, the courtiers would assume she intended to seize control of the court herself. Yet, with Xuan Pei embroiled in this scandal, she could not openly support him. Under such circumstances, even some of Xuan Pei’s former followers had defected, leaving Xuan Li’s faction far more dominant.
Yang Gugu understood Empress Dowager Yide’s dilemma. Back then, the Emperor had wanted to name Xiao Shao as crown prince, but Xiao Shao had never shown interest. The Empress Dowager felt she owed him and could not disregard his wishes. If Xiao Shao did not want the throne, she would not force it upon him. As for the Eighth Prince and the Thirteenth Prince, objectively speaking, choosing either would not harm her. She was, after all, their grandmother—neither Xuan Pei nor Xuan Li would dare act against her unless they wished to be drowned in the people’s scorn.With Empress Dowager Yide's original temperament, she would certainly not intervene. However, the Brocade Hero King Manor had already clearly declared its support for Xuan Pei, which represented Xiao Shao's stance. Although this was undoubtedly due to Jiang Ruan's influence, subsequent events proved that since Xuan Li had unclear ties with the Southern Borderlands, he became a pawn that could no longer be used in Empress Dowager Yide's eyes.
Thus, Empress Dowager Yide would not openly declare her support for Xuan Li. Even if the general trend seemed inevitable, she would endure immense pressure and hold firm. This woman, even in the most brutal and turbulent times, remained as unyielding as an iron mirror, refusing to bow to anyone.
"Your Majesty, now..." Yang Gugu finally couldn't hold back and voiced the question that had long puzzled her: "Why are you enduring such hardship?"
"To wait for an opportunity," Empress Dowager Yide replied with her eyes closed.
"An opportunity... for the Thirteenth Prince?" Yang Gugu asked.
"If he only has the ability to wait, then he need not even think of that position." Empress Dowager Yide opened her eyes, her gaze sharp and clear, with a fleeting emotion that Yang Gugu failed to catch.
"Your Majesty, you have suffered far too much," Yang Gugu murmured softly. The shadows in the palace never lifted, and the extent of Empress Dowager Yide's efforts remained largely unseen by outsiders.
Lost in thought, she was suddenly interrupted by the announcement of a young eunuch outside: "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, someone is at the gate requesting an audience with a token—"
The young eunuch presented the token with both hands. Yang Gugu took it and passed it to Empress Dowager Yide. The moment her gaze fell upon the token, she froze momentarily, as if caught in some memory. Then, her expression sharpened abruptly as she commanded in a deep voice, "Bring them in!"
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