Chapter 44: Reunion
She turned down the long corridor she had passed earlier, bypassed a section of the path, and walked straight toward a small room behind the garden. Pushing the door open, she stepped inside.
The room was sparsely furnished, resembling an abandoned study that hadn’t been used in a long time. A few travelogues were scattered haphazardly on the table. Jiang Ruan circled around to the desk, above which hung a painting of bamboo swaying in the wind. After studying it for a moment, she reached out and lifted the scroll, revealing a perfectly smooth wall behind it.
Jiang Ruan pressed both hands against the white wall before her, slowly feeling around. Before long, her fingers found something, and with a crisp click, the center of the wall gradually recessed, revealing a small hidden compartment.
She paused briefly before reaching inside and pulling out a cloth bundle. It had some weight to it, and judging by the feel, it likely contained something like a book. Jiang Ruan smiled faintly—this was the special account book from Vice Minister Shen’s household. Those in officialdom inevitably had to grease palms in their daily dealings, and such transactions always required a record of funds. Vice Minister Shen had entrusted these matters to Madam Shen, who had tried hiding the account books in various places, none of which felt secure. In the end, she had simply stashed them in this abandoned study, boldly concealing them behind a painting—who would ever think to look here?
However, in her past life, the Eighth Prince had mentioned this matter to her during a private meeting. Vice Minister Shen had initially been aligned with Jiang Quan, but for some unknown reason, a rift had formed between them. Jiang Quan hadn’t been concerned—likely because he had leverage over Shen. Somehow, these account books had fallen into Jiang Quan’s hands. If they were ever exposed, many high-ranking individuals would be implicated, inevitably leading to turmoil.
Regardless, she had obtained the account book today, making the trip worthwhile.
Jiang Ruan tucked the cloth bundle into her robes but suddenly froze, turning her head.
Standing before the folding screen in the room was a man, watching her with an inscrutable depth in his eyes.
Upon closer inspection, he was dressed in dark brocade robes, his expression cold and detached. It was the same unfamiliar man she had encountered at the temple on the day she returned to the capital. She hadn’t expected to meet him again here—whether this was fortune or misfortune remained to be seen.
Jiang Ruan stared at him warily, but his gaze remained fixed on her chest. A flicker of irritation crossed her face before he suddenly spoke in a cold voice: "The account book."
So he had been looking at the book hidden in her robes. Jiang Ruan frowned. "You want the account book?"
She had no idea who this man was or why he wanted it—perhaps he, too, had grievances with the Shen family. After a brief hesitation, she pulled the account book from her robes and tossed it toward him. The dark-clothed youth caught it effortlessly, giving her an impassive glance. His eyes were as unfathomable as ever, impossible to read.
Jiang Ruan was unbothered. She had only taken the account book to cause trouble for the Shen family and, by extension, Jiang Li. If anything, keeping such an item was like holding a hot potato—with her influence still limited, it was inconvenient for her to handle certain matters directly. If this man also had a grudge against the Shen family, why not do him a favor? As long as the Shen family suffered, she would be satisfied.The man in black stood out from the rest with an extraordinary demeanor, his presence in the room drawing all eyes. His handsome and heroic features were especially captivating at this moment, exuding composure even in the act of being a "thief." Jiang Ruan lowered her head in thought—this man's identity was a mystery, both enigmatic and formidable. Fortunately, today he lacked the murderous intent from that night, meaning her life was temporarily safe—a small mercy amidst misfortune.
Meeting twice under such circumstances could almost be considered familiarity, though it was peculiar that each encounter involved wrongdoing. What kind of fate was this?
Seeing that the account book had already fallen into his hands, Jiang Ruan decided there was no point in lingering and prepared to leave. The man remained motionless, silently standing in place. Just before pushing the door open, Jiang Ruan suddenly spoke:
"In the Shen residence, there are valuable items hidden above the beams in the firewood shed behind the kitchen, beneath the locust tree in Shen Mingzhen’s backyard, and under the rockery in the garden pond. There is also a secret passage beneath the floorboards of Vice Minister Shen’s study bed—perhaps rich rewards lie within. I hope this information aids you in your endeavors."
The man abruptly lifted his gaze, but Jiang Ruan had already gracefully pushed the door open and left. After her departure, a figure suddenly dropped from the rafters and approached the young man, bowing his head. "Master, that girl’s words cannot be trusted."
"The legitimate daughter of the Jiang family," the young man said coldly, his expression unreadable. "Investigate her background."
Meanwhile, once Jiang Ruan left the room, she finally exhaled deeply. The man inside was far too dangerous. Though she didn’t know his exact identity, her years in the palace in her past life had sharpened her instincts. That man was undoubtedly someone of high status—perhaps even connected to the imperial family.
Getting entangled with such a person was unwise, yet Jiang Ruan had done so anyway, deliberately revealing the Shen family’s secrets to him. She knew it stemmed from her own unresolved resentment. Despite often reminding herself to remain composed and patient, her actions were still colored by the grievances of her past life—a solitary fury. The enemy of her enemy was her ally. If this man opposed the Shen family, he also opposed Jiang Quan. Either way, it was a development she welcomed.
Shaking her head, Jiang Ruan dispelled her wandering thoughts. For now, she needed to focus on the immediate situation. Things hadn’t escalated to a troublesome level yet—no need to worry prematurely.
She made her way back smoothly, but when she returned to the banquet, Shen Mingzhen was startled at the sight of her and blurted out, "How did you come back?"
Jiang Susu, ever timely, masked the surprise in her eyes and stood up, feigning confusion. "Why has Da Jiejie returned alone? Where is our third sister?"
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Liniang was in a hurry to use the privy, so she asked me to wait. After a long while, I happened upon a little maidservant who escorted me back here."
"A little maidservant?" Shen Mingzhen exclaimed, her voice rising enough to draw the attention of nearby ladies. But she paid no mind, pressing on, "Which maidservant? What was her name? Are you lying to me?"
Jiang Ruan feigned astonishment. "What do you mean, Mingzhen? If not for your family’s maidservant guiding me, how could I have found my way back on my first visit to the Shen residence? I’m hopeless with directions."
Jiang Susu’s eyes flickered. "That’s true."
Jiang Ruan added with a smile, "Though I forgot to ask the maidservant’s name. She was quite clever and adorable—she left after bringing me to the front."In the vast Shen residence, it was hardly reasonable to desperately search for an unnamed little maid. Jiang Ruan's words were perfectly justified, leaving Shen Mingzhen speechless. She could only curse Jiang Li bitterly in her heart before shooting Jiang Ruan a glare and sitting back down uneasily.
Jiang Susu maintained her smile as she picked up her teacup and took a delicate sip. However, her gaze subtly followed Jiang Ruan. She noticed that Jiang Ruan's expression remained unreadable, her beautiful face veiled by the steam rising from the hot tea, like viewing flowers through mist—impossible to discern her true emotions. Jiang Susu felt an inexplicable unease grip her heart, leaving her unsettled. She could only pretend nonchalance and continue chatting and laughing with the young ladies around her.
(End of Chapter)
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