In the room, Qi Man rested her chin on one hand, gazing at the chess pieces on the board before her. The black and white stones lay scattered across the intersecting lines in seemingly chaotic disarray, yet she observed them with keen interest. Over the many years in the Da Jin Dynasty, she had adopted many of the habits of its people—such as playing chess to cultivate one's character. It was undoubtedly an excellent method, so much so that after all these years in the Minister's residence, she had never once revealed a flaw.
But today was somewhat different.
Suddenly, a man strode into the room like a gust of wind, not even bothering to knock. His movements were rough and reckless, as if driven by a fit of temper. Qi Man looked up. The man wore a gray robe that dragged to his feet, and his face, usually hidden behind a mask, was now exposed—half of it uneven and grotesque, paired with eerie green eyes that made him appear unnaturally ugly.
It was Yuan Chuan.
Qi Man regarded him leisurely, showing no surprise. She even smiled faintly and said, "So this is what you look like. No wonder you wear a mask."
Her tone was calm, yet it carried a sharp edge of mockery that made one uncomfortable just hearing it. But Yuan Chuan seemed oblivious. He stepped forward, his voice icy as he said, "The Holy Maiden is dead."
"Oh." Qi Man picked up a chess piece, pondered for a moment, then placed it down. "I told you long ago—she was reckless, spoiled, and ignorant of the world's dangers. It was only a matter of time before she caused trouble and lost her life."
"Xuan Li killed her," Yuan Chuan took another step forward. "You knew he would kill her, didn’t you? No—you planned this deliberately, didn’t you?"
"Me? Deliberate?" Qi Man chuckled softly, as if hearing something amusing. "Why would I deliberately want her dead?"
"You are the princess of the fallen dynasty. Back then, the Southern Borderlands perished because of you. With the Holy Maiden around, your status was greatly diminished—no longer the princess who could command the winds and rain. The Holy Maiden and you never got along. If you wanted complete control over the Southern Borderlands, she was your obstacle. You wanted her gone." Yuan Chuan continued, "You had already seen that Imperial Edict. You knew something was wrong with it, yet you didn’t warn the Holy Maiden. You even let her burn it, because you knew that once the truth came out, Xuan Li’s fury would ensure her death. This was all your scheme!"
Yuan Chuan finished in one breath, his jade-green fox eyes fixed on Qi Man with pure venom. It was clear he wished for nothing more than her death at that moment. He had pieced together the key details and realized Qi Man was the most suspicious. Dan Zhen had been with Qi Man—how could Qi Man not know what Dan Zhen was doing? And if she knew, why hadn’t she warned Dan Zhen, leading to her death at Xuan Li’s hands?Upon hearing this, Qi Man let out a soft laugh. Her gaze shifted from the chessboard to Yuan Chuan's face, scrutinizing him as if he were a stranger before she spoke leisurely, "All these years, I could never understand how Dan Zhen's temperament allowed her to accomplish so much, even negotiating with Xuan Li. Turns out there was a clever one hidden by her side. You're right—I did play a part in this. But you're mistaken about one thing. I didn't meticulously plan this; I merely went with the flow. I never opened that Imperial Edict and had no idea what it contained."
Yuan Chuan remained silent, his fury unabated.
"When Dan Zhen burned the edict, I received the news too late. Once it was destroyed, what was the point in pursuing it? At the time, I didn’t know much. But when the true edict surfaced later, I knew Xuan Li would come demanding the other one. Since Dan Zhen had destroyed it, Xuan Li would inevitably vent his anger. Dan Zhen was too arrogant. You indulged her every whim, making her forget her place. She thought this was the Southern Borderlands, where everyone revered her, unaware that in the eyes of the Da Jin Dynasty, she was nothing but an ant. Such a temperament would one day bring disaster to the Southern Borderlands. It was better to let Xuan Li teach her a lesson—let her understand the consequences." Qi Man sighed. "But I never imagined that edict was Xuan Li's Imperial Decree of Succession. Any prince would seek vengeance if their decree was burned. Dan Zhen died by Xuan Li's hand, and I’m not surprised. It was the price she had to pay."
Yuan Chuan glared at her, his words dripping with venom. "So, you’re saying you bear no blame at all?"
"Not exactly," Qi Man smiled faintly. "But in the end, I merely went along with the tide. The mastermind behind this wasn’t me. As her loyal servant, you should know who truly orchestrated this."
"Jiang Ruan," Yuan Chuan spat.
"Correct," Qi Man nodded. "I must admit, I admire her. From the moment she fell into our hands, she played this entire charade to achieve everything we see now. Look at the outcome—without lifting a finger, she cost the Southern Borderlands a Holy Maiden. Do you think this debt should be settled with me?"
"You... weren’t you supposed to protect her?" Yuan Chuan frowned, his expression turning wary. "Why would you want her dead?" If Qi Man and Xuan Li were allies, and Xuan Li intended to use Jiang Ruan as leverage against Xiao Shao, her safety should have been guaranteed. Yet Qi Man’s words suggested indifference to Jiang Ruan’s fate. Didn’t she fear Xuan Li’s reprisal if something went wrong?
"Xuan Li and I were never allies," Qi Man said coolly. "Besides, Jiang Ruan and I have some personal grievances. Since you’re unafraid of death, you might as well settle this score for me. Why should I stop you? But I must ask—are you afraid to die?"The meaning behind these words was almost blatantly clear. If Jiang Ruan died, Xuan Li would surely take Yuan Chuan's life because Yuan Chuan had ruined his plans. Although Qi Man had grievances with Jiang Ruan, it wasn’t worth sacrificing her own life for Jiang Ruan. This was a gamble—on one side was Jiang Ruan, on the other was her own life. Qi Man believed Jiang Ruan wasn’t a sufficient stake, but Yuan Chuan thought otherwise.
Yuan Chuan said, "I only wish to avenge the Holy Maiden."
"In that case," Qi Man smiled, "then go do what you wish. I won’t stop you."
Yuan Chuan gave Qi Man a cold laugh. "Then I thank the princess." With that, he turned and left. He harbored resentment toward Qi Man as well, though not as much as he did toward Jiang Ruan. At most, Qi Man had merely gone along with the tide, but Jiang Ruan was the mastermind behind the entire affair. Moreover, Dan Zhen had wanted to kill Jiang Ruan while she was alive. Now that Dan Zhen was gone, killing Jiang Ruan would fulfill one of her wishes.
Qi Man watched Yuan Chuan’s retreating figure, her smile gradually fading. The words she had just spoken were partly true and partly false. Jiang Ruan was indeed the schemer behind everything, but Qi Man hadn’t merely gone along with it. She had long suspected that the Imperial Edict wasn’t as simple as it seemed—not for any particular reason, but out of intuition. After all, she had dealt with Jiang Ruan for a long time in the Ministry of Revenue. The more Jiang Ruan concealed, the more flawless she appeared on the surface. But being kidnapped was an anomaly in itself, and Qi Man guessed Jiang Ruan must have had some plan—perhaps there was something amiss with the Imperial Edict. She had said nothing because she, too, wanted Dan Zhen dead.
Only with Dan Zhen’s death would the Southern Borderlands’ royal family have one legitimate princess in the future—only she could embody the untouchable nobility of royalty.
As for Jiang Ruan, Qi Man slowly curled her lips. Why did she wish for her death? Perhaps because if Jiang Ruan died, that woman’s son would also feel heart-wrenching pain. She knew how dearly Xiao Shao cherished his consort. The agony of losing a loved one—this was her revenge against the Hongxi Crown Prince and Xiang Xiaoyuan, to make their son taste the same bitterness.
Qi Man didn’t notice the mute maidservant sweeping the floor with her back bent. For a fleeting moment, the maid’s face, turned toward the ground, stiffened before resuming its usual timid and foolish expression. She then carried out the dirty water and left the room.
Jiang Ruan sat on the couch, carefully hiding the prenatal pills in her sleeve. These days, the mute maid had delivered many such pills, and since they were inconspicuous, they were easy to conceal. She had gradually become certain that the maid harbored no ill will toward her. All this time, the maid had been covering for her to ensure no one else found out. Jiang Ruan was already several months along, and her belly was beginning to show prominently. Yet, despite such obvious signs, she had remained undetected—proof of the seamless coordination between her and the maid. The maid had also discreetly added nourishing ingredients to Jiang Ruan’s meals, though she did so very subtly.She had just straightened her sleeves when she saw the mute maid enter with a basin of clean water. The maid promptly closed the door behind her and made as if to wipe Jiang Ruan’s face. Jiang Ruan leaned against the innermost couch, so even if someone looked in from outside the window, they wouldn’t be able to see the mute maid’s mouth moving despite how close she was to Jiang Ruan. Every time the maid had something to say to Jiang Ruan, this was the method she used.
"Yuan Chuan wants to kill you," the maid whispered into Jiang Ruan’s ear, her voice barely audible. "Qi Man has tacitly agreed."
Jiang Ruan was momentarily stunned but quickly replied, "I expected as much." It seemed Yuan Chuan’s feelings for the Southern Border Sacred Maiden were indeed unusual. Once he discovered she was the mastermind behind the scenes, he would certainly not let it go. However, the fact that Qi Man had tacitly agreed surprised Jiang Ruan somewhat. She had thought the alliance between Xuan Li and Qi Man was unshakable, but now it appeared that wasn’t entirely the case. Or perhaps, to put it another way, Qi Man’s goal of conquering the entire Da Jin Dynasty was primarily to exact revenge for the past. And the one she hated most back then was none other than Xiang Xiaoyuan. Xiao Shao was Xiang Xiaoyuan’s son, so Qi Man would gladly do anything to make life difficult for him.
Jiang Ruan pondered silently. Qi Man’s cunning and ruthless tactics often made people overlook her true identity—that she was a Southern Borderlander with a sharp strategic mind. But they forgot she was also a woman, and when it came to matters of the heart, women often lost a bit of their rationality.
"You’re in great danger now. How can I help you?" the mute maid asked.
"No need to worry. The worst-case scenario is simply informing the guards outside that Yuan Chuan intends to kill me. Those guards are all Xuan Li’s men, assigned to protect my safety. If they learn Yuan Chuan means me harm, they’ll defend me with their lives." Xuan Li still wanted to use Jiang Ruan as leverage in negotiations with Xiao Shao. Such a valuable bargaining chip naturally wouldn’t be allowed to be destroyed by Yuan Chuan. So these guards were sent by Xuan Li to ensure her safety. If Yuan Chuan made any moves, she could rely on their protection.
"The worst-case scenario?" The mute maid seemed to grasp Jiang Ruan’s meaning but still wasn’t entirely clear. She asked, "Then do you plan to use this worst-case method?"
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Of course not. While this method might ensure my safety temporarily, it wouldn’t last forever. Besides, my pregnancy is becoming more noticeable. If I stay here much longer, they’ll eventually find out. Given Xuan Li’s temperament, that would only increase his leverage. Worse, I fear he might do something to harm the child. In this matter, I can’t afford to gamble."
"Then what do you intend to do?" The maid was still confused.
"The guards and Yuan Chuan have opposing objectives. I’ll exploit their conflict to find the right opportunity to escape in the chaos. Xuan Li will make his move soon. Once he does, he’ll use me as a bargaining chip, and after that, it’ll be nearly impossible for Yuan Chuan to kill me. So he’ll definitely act within the next two days. When that happens, you’ll do this..." She leaned in and whispered a few words into the maid’s ear. After hearing them, the maid looked at Jiang Ruan in shock. "That’s too risky! What if you fail? You must remember—you’re carrying a child now...""Precisely because I have a child in my womb," Jiang Ruan frowned at her, her tone turning serious. "Yuan Chuan is extremely cunning. There will come a day when this pregnancy can no longer be hidden. Yuan Chuan harbors a deep hatred for me and is already resolved to perish together with me. If he learns I'm with child, he will only devise even more vicious schemes. I fear nothing facing him alone, but I must protect my child. The plan I just told you about, though dangerous, is far safer than remaining under Yuan Chuan's watchful eyes. In this matter, success is my fortune, failure my fate. I cannot let Yuan Chuan know about my pregnancy. Do you understand?"
The mute maid looked at Jiang Ruan. Over these days, she had witnessed this woman calmly strategizing, making the Southern Borderlanders turn on each other without lifting a finger, and causing the lofty Holy Maiden to die by Xuan Li's hand. She was indeed a formidable woman. Yet now, when speaking of the life in her womb, the worry on her face was unmistakable. But the resolve in her voice as she laid out her plan made it clear to everyone how determined she was.
A woman may become vulnerable when she becomes a mother, but she may also become stronger because of it. The mute maid said, "I understand. I will help you. But remember our agreement—once this is done, you must kill Xuan Li."
Jiang Ruan nodded.
No sooner had they finished speaking than someone entered from outside—none other than Yuan Chuan. The mute maid, with her back to him, glanced uneasily at Jiang Ruan, who lowered her eyes, signaling for her to leave quickly and not to worry. Yuan Chuan wouldn’t act now, not with Xuan Li's men outside. If he were to strike, he would surely draw them away first.
The mute maid swiftly gathered the handkerchiefs and soap, took the basin, and retreated. Yuan Chuan slowly approached, stopping before Jiang Ruan with a mocking smile. "Princess Consort, it's been a while. You seem to have filled out a bit—truly in good spirits, I see."
Jiang Ruan raised her eyes to the man before her. He had removed his mask. That mask had once been crucial to him, worn at all times. Now that he had cast it aside, did it mean he no longer cared? Or that he had nothing left to live for.
Jiang Ruan averted her gaze and smiled faintly. "Just cultivating peace and health." It was inevitable that her body would grow fuller after conceiving. While her belly could be concealed with loose robes, her face could not. Fortunately, Jiang Ruan had always been slender, and even now, a few months along, the changes weren’t too obvious—just a slight plumpness, nothing excessive.
Yuan Chuan sneered again, his voice dripping with venom. "And what brings you such joy, Princess Consort? Is it because your schemes succeeded, leading to the Holy Maiden's death?"
"Did I kill the Holy Maiden?" Jiang Ruan tilted her head slightly, as if carefully considering. "Let me think. At most, I withheld the Imperial Edict and fed you false information. I never intended for your Holy Maiden to die. So, when she died—was it really my doing?""Silver-tongued indeed," Yuan Chuan sneered as if hearing a joke. His posture was stiff, his deeply lined face twisted with rage, making him appear eerily grotesque. Yet, his crimson lips curled upward, giving him the fleeting semblance of a vengeful ghost. "Do you think such words can conceal your crime? This was all your scheme from the start. Did you believe you could kill the Holy Maiden and walk away unscathed? That your husband would come to your rescue? No—you'll never live to see that day."
Jiang Ruan chuckled lightly. "Envoy Yuan, spare me the threats. In this life, I've never lacked for intimidation. Rather than empty words, I'd prefer to see what actual moves you can make. But that's not my point. What puzzles me is this—though I plotted against your Holy Maiden, the situation wasn't beyond redemption. Wasn't it Xuan Li who struck the fatal blow? Why seek vengeance against me instead of him? Why demand my life instead of his? Is it because you know you're no match for Xuan Li? You claim undying loyalty to your Holy Maiden, yet even in avenging her, you pick and choose your targets. When faced with a foe beyond your means, you simply turn away. Tell me—isn't this hypocrisy? Your so-called loyalty is just for show, because you lack even the courage to avenge her."
Yuan Chuan froze. Though he'd told himself from the start that not a word from Jiang Ruan could be trusted, her speech struck a chord he couldn't ignore. He couldn't kill Xuan Li—the man was guarded by elite warriors, and Qi Man would never allow it. Thus, despite knowing Xuan Li had slain Dan Zhen with his own hands, he was powerless to act. Jiang Ruan's words were a blunt hammer, shattering the truth he'd long avoided confronting: he was a coward, too weak-willed to avenge Dan Zhen.
A crushing wave of self-loathing engulfed Yuan Chuan, so intense he momentarily wished to follow Dan Zhen in death. But within moments, he shook off the despair. His gaze settled on Jiang Ruan's smiling face, and a chill ran down his spine.
This woman... was terrifying. She'd nearly made him despise himself—she was steering his thoughts, a master manipulator of minds. For a heartbeat, Yuan Chuan could only marvel at her cunning.
Steeling himself, he spat, "Do you think such words will redirect my hatred toward Xuan Li? That I'll turn my anger on myself? You're spouting nonsense—this is entirely your doing! Even if Xuan Li dealt the killing blow, it was your scheme that led him there! You orchestrated everything. You're the true murderer. If anyone must pay, it's you first!"
Jiang Ruan shrugged. "What a pity." She didn't specify why, but Yuan Chuan knew—she regretted that her psychological ploy had been seen through. Fury burned in his chest, yet he couldn't act now. With Xuan Li's men everywhere, any rash move would alert the enemy.He gave Jiang Ruan another once-over, his gaze lingering for a moment on her slightly plump face before he sneered darkly, "I hope your luck holds out." Then he turned and left.
Only after Yuan Chuan had gone did Jiang Ruan furrow her brows, placing both hands on her abdomen as she pressed her lips tightly together. The ever-smiling expression on her face was now tinged with solemnity. There was no time left.
...
That night, a sudden blaze erupted in one corner of the temple, accompanied by a woman's sharp cry: "Yuan Chuan, what are you doing? Guards!"
The voice was unmistakably that of Jiang Ruan, the Princess of Brocade Glory. The towering flames leaped up instantly, and since the temple was made of wood, the fire quickly engulfed half the structure. Strangest of all, the guards stationed outside Jiang Ruan's door showed no reaction, as if they were dead. Only a few remaining temple staff, who had been hiding nearby, heard the commotion but were stunned by the raging inferno.
In the darkness, a figure in gray robes came running, staring in shock at the flames before him. It was Yuan Chuan. He had indeed planned to strike that very night, but just as he had managed to incapacitate the guards at the door, this fire had broken out. Without hesitation, Yuan Chuan concluded that this must be another one of Jiang Ruan's schemes.
Just moments ago, a woman's loud cries had echoed from within—undoubtedly Jiang Ruan's. Trapped inside that room, there was naturally no chance of survival. Yuan Chuan stared at the flames before him. The fire, its origin unknown, was nearly engulfing the entire building. The room where Jiang Ruan was located was already quite remote. Had he not planned to strike in the dead of night today, it was likely no one would have noticed even if the place burned to ashes.
The woman's agonized screams continued to ring out, clear to Yuan Chuan's ears. There was no way Jiang Ruan could escape. Yet, a strange suspicion arose in Yuan Chuan's heart. Throughout their long-standing rivalry, he had never gained the upper hand against Jiang Ruan. Could this be another one of her schemes? How could Jiang Ruan willingly perish in this inferno? Yes. Every time she seemed cornered with no way out, she always managed to turn the tables. Even this seemingly inescapable blaze might very well be a deliberate ploy of hers. Once this thought took root, Yuan Chuan's suspicion grew stronger. No matter how fierce the flames, he had to see Jiang Ruan's corpse with his own eyes to be satisfied. He wouldn't rest until he confirmed her death.
Once Yuan Chuan resolved himself, he steeled his heart and charged into the raging fire without hesitation. His subordinates, still busy trying to extinguish the flames outside, were shocked and rushed to dissuade him. But Yuan Chuan paid them no heed. His sole desire now was Jiang Ruan's death. He had already embraced the possibility of his own demise—what did it matter if it was by fire or otherwise? As long as Jiang Ruan died, he would gladly give his life in return.
Without hesitation, Yuan Chuan plunged into the sea of flames. The moment he entered, the scorching heat assaulted him, the burning air searing his face. Flames spread everywhere, and with every step forward, he could feel his hair and skin charring further. The stench of burning flesh filled his nostrils, yet Yuan Chuan pressed on, indifferent. The fire had consumed the room so thoroughly that its original layout was indiscernible. All he could hear was Jiang Ruan's faint weeping from deep inside, and he followed the sound.
Yuan Chuan wasn't the least bit afraid of perishing in the fire. If it meant witnessing Jiang Ruan's death, what did it matter if he died with her? But one thought nagged at him—why was Jiang Ruan so deep inside the room? Had she not even attempted to flee? A chill ran down his spine, and his pace quickened. The deeper he went, the fiercer the flames became. Blisters formed on his hands, but he ignored them. Finally, in a corner, he spotted Jiang Ruan curled up against the wall.
Jiang Ruan was still sobbing softly. Yuan Chuan exhaled in relief, his face twisting into a vicious grin. "Jiang Ruan," he sneered, "now you can descend to hell and atone for the Holy Maiden's death!"
Even as he spoke, Jiang Ruan continued weeping as if unaware of his presence. Yuan Chuan froze, a strange sensation suddenly gripping him. Jiang Ruan—weeping incessantly? This woman's tears were rarer than stone. This... something was wrong! He lunged forward, disregarding the flaming beam blocking his path, and seized Jiang Ruan's wrist, dragging her violently toward him."Jiang Ruan" was dressed in her usual clothes, sobbing pitifully, her face blackened by the smoke. Yet her features were still distinguishable—it wasn't Jiang Ruan at all, but clearly the mute maid!
"We've been tricked!" Yuan Chuan realized with horror. He didn't have time to wonder why the mute maid could suddenly speak or why she would help Jiang Ruan. His mind was filled only with bitter regret—this had all been Jiang Ruan's carefully laid trap. She had used his own hands to incapacitate the guards outside, then set the house ablaze. The mute maid's wailing inside would make everyone assume it was Jiang Ruan, since everyone knew the maid couldn't speak. If he hadn't grown suspicious and approached, the maid would have sacrificed herself, letting everyone believe the charred remains were Jiang Ruan's, helping her escape. And if he did approach... The mute maid suddenly leaped up, gripping his arm with terrifying strength, her face twisting into a grotesque smile: "I didn't expect you to come in too. Perfect—this works out even better for me. Since you wanted her to accompany you to hell, why don't you join me instead!"
This had been her plan all along—to drag Yuan Chuan down with her if he entered. That way, no one outside would know the truth, nor would they realize the body wasn't Jiang Ruan's. The real Jiang Ruan had already escaped! What a vicious scheme!
Yuan Chuan sneered coldly, "Are you one of Xiao Shao's people?"
"Wrong," the maid laughed. "I have an irreconcilable blood feud with Xuan Li. Since you're his ally—and a Southern Borderlands savage—I will have my vengeance!" As she spoke, she tightened her grip. A large burning beam crashed down beside them, sending sparks flying onto Yuan Chuan's body.
By now, the fire had spread uncontrollably, and the house was on the verge of collapse. Though the situation was dire, Yuan Chuan's expression grew even more twisted with fury. He had come to take Jiang Ruan's life, yet she might now escape unscathed—how could he accept that? Even in death, he would never accept it!
With a cold laugh, Yuan Chuan suddenly felt his limbs constrict—the maid had somehow fastened a hidden clasp, binding their arms together. Having inhaled too much smoke during her long stay inside, she was already at death's door. This final act had drained the last of her strength.
Yuan Chuan grinned cruelly. "In that case, let me send you off properly!" Without hesitation, he drew a serrated curved blade from his waist and severed the maid's arm in one swift motion. The blade seemed coated with something—countless tiny, worm-like eggs immediately swarmed out, crawling rapidly into the maid's severed wound.
"These gu worms are quite precious—consider this a gift. Enjoy." Though badly injured himself, his body covered in burns oozing blood and pus, Yuan Chuan staggered toward the exit. The maid let out a bloodcurdling scream, clutching her severed arm. But worse than the amputation was the agony of countless gu worms burrowing into her flesh, a torment like ten thousand ants devouring her heart—unbearable for any ordinary person.
Amid the roaring flames, the maid's screams echoed. She thought to herself—Jiang Ruan had never asked this of her. She had only been told to hold out for a little while. This was her own choice. She wanted to buy Jiang Ruan more time, for helping Jiang Ruan was helping herself. Even now, as unbearable pain consumed her, she felt no regret. So long as she could have her vengeance.When Yuan Chuan emerged from the sea of flames, drenched in blood, the people outside were startled. His clothes had been burned to charcoal, and there wasn't a single patch of unblemished skin left on his body. Dark yellow fluids oozed everywhere, emitting a nauseating stench of scorched flesh. His already ugly face was now largely destroyed by the burns, with patches of pinkish skin exposed, making him utterly terrifying. Even his usual subordinates couldn't help but take a step back.
Qi Man stood among the crowd, watching Yuan Chuan indifferently, and asked, "Well?"
Yuan Chuan let out a cold laugh. The guards outside the house were still unconscious—he had used a heavy dose, never expecting to be the one trapped. If these men hadn't been drugged, catching the fleeing Jiang Ruan wouldn’t have been difficult. He strode out with an ominous air, growling, "She escaped. Now, chase her!"
......
In the wilderness of the mountain valley, the pitch-black mountain path showed not a single flicker of light. Jiang Ruan rode her horse at breakneck speed, not daring to light a torch lest she attract Yuan Chuan’s men. She had no idea what had become of the mute maid. Originally, she had asked the maid to flee with her, but the maid insisted on staying to seek revenge. Unable to persuade her, Jiang Ruan had no choice but to leave her behind. She didn’t know how long the mute maid could deceive Yuan Chuan—he was clever and would likely give chase soon.
Jiang Ruan’s heart pounded with urgency. She hadn’t expected this place to be so far from the capital, nor so desolate. For miles around, there wasn’t a soul in sight, nowhere to hide. She worried whether the child in her womb could endure such violent jostling. She had swallowed a handful of the mute maid’s fetal stabilizing pills in desperation, praying they would see her through the night.
But this was unfamiliar terrain, and Jiang Ruan had no idea where she was heading. Just as she prepared to press onward, she heard clamoring noises behind her. Turning, she saw a wave of torchlight approaching—and at the lead, mounted on horseback, was none other than Yuan Chuan.
They had caught up!
Her heart clenched. Yuan Chuan had pursued her so swiftly—perhaps because his men had no qualms about lighting torches? Jiang Ruan could no longer afford to worry about her own condition. Without hesitation, she drew a dagger from her sleeve and stabbed it into her horse’s flank. The beast whinnied in pain and bolted forward, momentarily widening the gap between her and Yuan Chuan’s men.
This horse had been the finest Jiang Ruan could find in the stables, and it ran fast. But the violent galloping soon sent sharp pains radiating through her lower abdomen. A silent curse rose in her mind. She pressed a hand to her belly, willing the child to stay calm, but the pain only intensified with the horse’s speed.
Yuan Chuan, close behind, quickly noticed the oddity in Jiang Ruan’s posture. After observing for a moment, a sudden realization struck him. He recalled how Jiang Ruan had kept a white dog during those days—a creature that ate ravenously yet remained emaciated—and how her face had gradually filled out. His suspicions hardened into certainty. Thrilled, he bellowed, "Catch her! She’s with child—she can’t run fast!"Jiang Ruan's heart skipped a beat as she thought, "This is bad. Yuan Chuan has discovered me. I absolutely cannot let him catch me now." Yuan Chuan hated her so deeply that his first act upon capturing her would surely be to kill her child. With grim determination, she ran even faster.
However, Jiang Ruan failed to consider that navigating through the pitch-black wilderness was already treacherous. Charging ahead recklessly like this was extremely dangerous. Desperate to escape and shake off Yuan Chuan, she didn't realize he had deliberately driven her toward a dead end.
The cliff loomed before her, towering into the clouds. What might have been a breathtaking view in daylight was now shrouded in darkness, concealing the thousand-foot drop below. Jiang Ruan couldn't see clearly—she didn't even know when she had gotten so close. Suddenly, she felt her body go weightless as her horse let out a long whinny, and together they plunged into the endless abyss.
Faintly, Yuan Chuan's sinister laughter and the sound of him reining in his horse reached her ears: "I told you I'd send you off properly!"
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