Chapter 63: Schemes
Ye Li's guards quickly dragged Zhou Da away. The unexpected disturbance on the pleasure boat had practically ruined the Lantern Festival for the night. No one was in the mood to continue floating river lanterns after that. With Jiang Susu involved in such an incident, Jiang Ruan had no choice but to take her home first. As the boat docked and Jiang Ruan bid farewell to the others, Ye Li approached. He draped his outer robe over Jiang Susu's shoulders and said gently, "The night is cold—take care not to catch a chill."
The glow of the festive lanterns made his already handsome features appear exceptionally warm and refined. Jiang Susu glanced up at him, then shyly lowered her head and murmured, "Thank you, Eighth Prince."
Jiang Ruan's lips curved slightly. In her past life, Ye Li had been the one to warm her heart. In this life, with Jiang Susu falling into the water, had his concern simply shifted to her instead?
Though Ye Li was speaking to Jiang Susu, his gaze never left Jiang Ruan. Seeing that she didn’t even spare him a glance, her expression soft yet undeniably distant, he felt an inexplicable irritation.
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly just as Xiao Shao approached from the opposite direction. She suddenly spoke up, "Today’s matter—thank you, Your Highness, for stepping in to uphold justice."
Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for those nearby to hear clearly. Everyone recalled Xiao Shao’s earlier words defending Jiang Susu. Now that Jiang Susu’s innocence had been proven, it was clear that his claim about the green jade beads had been made deliberately for her sake. Jiang Ruan’s words carried a subtle hint of mockery.
Xiao Shao turned his head slightly to look at her, his expression as calm as ever. Tall and poised, his dark robes exuding an air of cold nobility, he quickly drew the attention of the surrounding ladies. Any confusion they might have had about his earlier actions was now completely forgotten.
Jiang Ruan felt a pang of frustration and simply turned away, refusing to engage with him further. Just then, a young man in blue robes approached from the other side and stopped beside her, hesitating slightly as he said, "Miss Jiang, it’s quite late now. May I arrange for some guards to escort you back to your residence?"
The young man was no more than fifteen or sixteen, his tone tentative but his gaze openly hopeful. Jiang Ruan recognized him—this was Young Master Gu, the son of the Commander-in-Chief.
She smiled warmly and replied graciously, "Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Gu. I would be remiss to decline."
Her demeanor caused both Ye Li and Xiao Shao to pause. The gentleness she showed Young Master Gu was a stark contrast to the indifference she had displayed toward them.
For some reason, Ye Li felt an odd sense of loss, as though something that had once belonged to him had been taken away. Xiao Shao’s cool gaze remained fixed on Jiang Ruan, a flicker of emotion crossing his features.
Of the three, only Gu Yi was overjoyed. He hadn’t expected the beauty to be so warm and amiable, and for a moment, he could only stand there grinning foolishly.
After helping Jiang Susu into the carriage first, Gu Yi stood a few steps away from it, his cheeks flushed as he looked at Jiang Ruan.
She walked over and said softly, "Thank you for the guards, Young Master Gu. There’s something I’d like to say to you—actually... there’s a favor I’d like to ask."
Gu Yi was taken aback but quickly responded with concern, "What troubles you, Miss Jiang? If it’s within my power, I will do everything I can to help."This Gu Yi was indeed a man who cherished the fairer sex. Jiang Ruan gave a slight nod and said, "Young Master Gu must already know a thing or two about the affairs of my family. Truly, this matter shouldn't be spoken of outside. But seeing your sincere and honest nature, and considering you're the only one who can help, I've mustered the courage to ask for this favor."
Gu Yi was thoroughly flattered by her words, and his fondness for Jiang Ruan grew even more. Then he heard Jiang Ruan continue softly, "My elder brother left home to join the army six years ago and has since been missing. My birth mother passed away early, and my brother is the only blood relative I have left in this world. Over the years, I've tried to find news of him, but to no avail."
Her voice was gentle, and her face still wore a smile, yet somehow, the soft tone carried an unmistakable trace of sorrow. Such quiet resilience only made others pity her more.
Gu Yi comforted her, "Miss Jiang, don't be sad. Your brother is surely blessed and will be safe. But how can I help with this matter?"
"I've heard that the Commanding General is on good terms with General Guan and General Chen," Jiang Ruan smiled. "Six years ago, when my brother enlisted, General Guan and General Chen happened to be recruiting in the capital. I suspect my brother might be serving in either the Chen Family Army or the Guan Family Army. Since the Commanding General is acquainted with both generals, perhaps he could help me inquire about my brother's whereabouts."
Gu Yi patted his chest confidently. "That's no trouble at all. I'll speak to my father about it later. Miss Jiang, rest assured—once there's news of your brother, I'll have someone inform you immediately."
Jiang Ruan bowed deeply to him in gratitude. "Young Master Gu, your kindness is beyond repayment. I can only keep it in my heart and, if the opportunity arises in the future, I will surely repay you."
Gu Yi was startled and waved his hands in refusal. "It's just a small favor, Miss Jiang. No need for such courtesy. Can we consider ourselves friends now?"
Jiang Ruan smiled. "Naturally."
After bidding farewell to Gu Yi, Jiang Ruan boarded the carriage. Inside, Jiang Susu, Jiang Li, and Jiang Dan were already waiting. When Jiang Ruan entered, Jiang Susu's eyes burned with barely suppressed fury, while Jiang Li sneered, "Fox spirit!" Only Jiang Dan gave her a timid smile, appearing as meek as ever. But after tonight's events, Jiang Ruan had gained a deeper understanding of her. How could she believe Jiang Dan was truly as timid as she seemed? There was likely another cunning one hiding in this household, unnoticed until now.
The carriage ride back to the Jiang residence was silent. When they arrived, the gatekeepers and Steward Zhang were surprised to see unfamiliar guards accompanying them. Zisu helped Jiang Ruan alight, and she smiled at the guards. "Thank you for your assistance today. Please convey my gratitude to Young Master Gu." Lianqiao then stepped forward cheerfully and handed a pouch filled with silver to one of the guards. "Take this to share a drink with your comrades."
The guards exchanged glances, saluted, and departed.
Steward Zhang, having served in the household for many years, immediately recognized that these guards must have been sent by someone of high status to protect Jiang Ruan. Watching her composed and steady demeanor, he couldn't help but wonder—had this eldest young lady caught the eye of a noble during tonight's Festive Lantern celebration?Meanwhile, Dragonfly hurriedly jumped down from the carriage and helped the drenched Jiang Susu alight. Butterfly immediately cried, "Quick, call for a physician! The Second Young Miss has fainted!"
Steward Zhang was shocked at the sight and promptly sent someone to fetch a doctor. While dispatching others to inform Xia Yan, he asked, "What happened to the Second Young Miss?"
Jiang Ruan smiled inwardly. Fainting immediately upon returning home—Jiang Susu's chosen method was indeed convenient. But how could everything go exactly as she wished? How could Jiang Ruan rest without causing Jiang Susu some trouble? Glancing at Ye Li's outer robe draped over Jiang Susu, she feigned concern and said, "Second Sister fell into the river and had her purity tarnished by a scoundrel. For now, let's wait for her to wake up. The matter involves the authorities, so we should wait for Father to return before making any decisions."
(End of Chapter)
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