Marquis Xia's eyes were filled with gloom: "I haven't informed the Eighth Prince about this matter. He must think it was the Fifth Prince's doing, which is why he's been cautious in forming ties with our Xia family. Even so, Jiang Ruan cannot be allowed to remain. Yan Er has repeatedly suffered setbacks at her hands. I want to see what kind of monster this person is—so young yet so vicious!"
At noon the next day, Xia Yan arrived at Ruan Residence with Jiang Susu in tow.
Jiang Susu wore a pristine white veil that covered everything below her eyes, leaving only her eyes visible.
Xia Yan said, "Ruan'er, tomorrow we'll be visiting your maternal grandfather's residence. Please prepare accordingly. Your grandmother hasn't seen you all in a long time and must be missing you dearly."
Lianqiao, standing behind them, gave a disdainful look. Xia Yan spoke so warmly, but those were Jiang Susu's grandparents—what did they have to do with Jiang Ruan?
"Of course. After such major incidents involving Second Sister and Second Brother, it would be good to get some fresh air," Jiang Ruan replied with a smile. At her words, Jiang Susu and Xia Yan's expressions stiffened immediately.
"We won't disturb you any longer, Ruan'er," Xia Yan said gently. "I'll go check on your Second Brother. He must have been framed in this matter—he's such an unfortunate child."
"Mother should comfort Second Brother well. After failing the imperial exams and suffering consecutive blows, he must be in great distress," Jiang Ruan said with concern.
Xia Yan paused again, forcing a smile. "Your concern will surely warm your brother's heart." She then stood up. "I won't stay any longer. Su Su, let's go."
After Xia Yan and her daughter left, Zisu watched their retreating figures and said, "Miss, why this sudden visit to the Xia family residence? There must be something afoot."
Though Zisu was upright in character, she was no fool. Jiang Ruan shook her head. "They merely wish to leverage the Xia family's influence."
Just then, Luzhu pushed the door open and entered. "Miss, Young Master Gu sent someone with a message for you. General Guan will return to the capital next month, and there might be progress regarding Eldest Young Master's matter."
Jiang Ruan's eyes brightened as she smiled faintly. "That is good news indeed. Next month is not too late."
"If Eldest Young Master returns, Master likely wouldn't treat you this way." Jiang Quan's current attitude toward Jiang Ruan stemmed from her being merely a daughter, whereas Jiang Xin Zhi was the legitimate eldest son of the family. Now that Jiang Chao had lost a finger, Jiang Quan would likely place more importance on Jiang Xin Zhi, who would in turn protect Jiang Ruan from being bullied.
"That remains to be seen," Jiang Ruan said with a cold laugh. "Both my elder brother and I are thorns in the side of everyone in this Jiang household. Not a single word about Eldest Brother's affairs should leak to outsiders."
Zisu and Luzhu exchanged glances, noticing the unprecedented solemnity in Jiang Ruan's lightly furrowed brows.
In her past life, while still at the manor, she had received news of Jiang Xin Zhi's death in battle—coinciding with the Xia family's rising influence in court. Looking back now, the circumstances were riddled with hidden truths. It was entirely possible that Xia Yan had eliminated Jiang Xin Zhi to secure Jiang Chao's position. Jiang Quan might even have been aware, but with no paternal affection for Jiang Xin Zhi and a reliance on the Xia family's power, he could have tacitly allowed it.Thinking of her gentle and kind elder brother, Jiang Ruan clenched her fists. If Jiang Xin Zhi were still alive, she would do everything in her power to protect this flesh-and-blood relative of hers, no matter the cost.
But the Xia Family? Her gaze turned cold. Some people, it seemed, had not been seen in a long while.
"Luzhu, you and Zisu stay in the mansion these next few days and keep an eye on things, especially around the Fifth Concubine," Jiang Ruan instructed. "Lianqiao, you come with me. Call Shuxiang in."
"Shuxiang?" Lianqiao frowned. "Miss, that girl has ill intentions. She might cause trouble."
"That's exactly what I want—her trouble." Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Go on. I have my own plans for this."
...
The next day, Shuxiang indeed arrived early with Lianqiao waiting outside. Compared to before, Shuxiang seemed much more timid now, her eyes filled with faint fear when she looked up at Jiang Ruan. As Jiang Ruan observed the bowing, subservient maid before her, it was hard to reconcile this image with the gentle, confident palace maid from her memories—the one who had always appeared before her with a comforting demeanor.
She draped her outer garment over herself and smiled. "Let's go."
Jiang Susu and Xia Yan were already waiting in the carriage. When Jiang Ruan stepped in, she noticed Jiang Li and Jiang Dan were also present. Jiang Chao sat in another carriage. Jiang Li cast a mocking glance at Jiang Susu's veiled face but dared not say anything more with Xia Yan present. Jiang Dan shrank into the farthest corner of the carriage, looking extremely uncomfortable. When she saw Jiang Ruan enter, she offered a timid smile, which Jiang Ruan returned before taking a seat beside Xia Yan.
Xia Yan smiled at her. "Ruan'er, this is your first time visiting your grandfather's house, isn't it? The last time he saw you was five years ago. My, how you've grown into a young lady now."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "I’ve missed Grandfather very much."
The first time she had met the Marquis of Xia was right after Zhao Mei's death. Kneeling in mourning white before the spirit hall, she had watched as the kindly old man approached Jiang Quan for a conversation. Not long after, Xia Yan became the official wife.
Later, when she entered the palace, she often saw this Marquis of Xia and his family members during banquets. The shamelessness of the Xia Family was still vivid in her mind. Back then, Xia Jiao Jiao, the granddaughter of the Xia Family, had entered the palace with her and was granted the title of Beauty. Xia Jiao Jiao had schemed against her countless times, openly and covertly. In the end, Xia Jiao Jiao won the emperor's favor—though how genuine that favor was remained unclear—and took every opportunity to bully her. She only remembered that when she was finally thrown into prison, Xia Jiao Jiao was safely taken back to the mansion by the Marquis of Xia, unharmed.
As Jiang Ruan spoke, Xia Yan inexplicably felt a chill run down her spine. The sensation was baffling. She studied Jiang Ruan's expression carefully but couldn't discern any hidden meaning in her words. Forcing a smile, she said, "Ruan'er, have you thought about what gift you’ll bring?"
"Gift?" Jiang Ruan looked at her in confusion.
Xia Yan chuckled. "Silly child, didn’t you know you should bring a small gift when visiting your grandfather’s house? But I can’t blame you. After staying in the village for so long, no one taught you these social niceties."
Jiang Li sneered from the side, while Jiang Dan remained silent.
"Mother is right," Jiang Ruan smiled. "I’ve learned my lesson today. Next time I visit, I won’t make a fool of myself." She paused, then continued, "But I haven’t prepared any gifts this time. What have my younger sisters brought?""I prepared embroidered handkerchiefs for everyone," Jiang Susu said behind her veil, her eyes as beautiful as ever. "Though simple, they were stitched by my own hands—a token of my sincerity."
Jiang Li initially didn't want to respond, but fearing Xia Yan and eager to show off, she proudly declared, "Mine is face powder brought from the palace. Just a dab makes the skin flawless, hiding all blemishes."
Her careless remark made Jiang Susu stiffen beneath her veil, while Xia Yan clenched her palms. Jiang Dan timidly added, "I... I made a jar of flower honey."
"All your gifts are so thoughtful," Jiang Ruan murmured softly, "but I haven't prepared anything."
"Silly child," Xia Yan patted her head affectionately. "How could I forget you? Knowing you might have overlooked this, I had the kitchen prepare a basket of pastries this morning. The weather is cold enough to keep them fresh for days, and they're exquisitely made—no breach of etiquette."
Jiang Ruan looked surprised before replying, "You've gone to such lengths for me, Mother. I'm truly ashamed."
"We're mother and daughter—why stand on ceremony?" Xia Yan smiled. "No more of that. When you see your grandparents, remember to present the gift yourself."
Jiang Ruan nodded. Satisfied, Xia Yan relaxed, while Jiang Susu allowed herself a faint smirk. Jiang Li, bored by their conversation, had already turned away to rest, whereas Jiang Dan studied Xia Yan's expression thoughtfully.
...
The Xia family's estate was far from the Jiang residence, and the rainy, slippery roads under the gloomy sky made the journey slow. By the time they arrived at the Xia mansion, it was only evening, yet the dark clouds made it seem like night had fallen.
Servants at the gate welcomed them inside, chattering, "The young mistress is back! The master and mistress have been waiting in the hall."
Xia Yan acknowledged them warmly. Upon entering the grand hall, the opulence was dazzling. At the center sat an elderly man with a round, jovial face, his lips perpetually curved like the Maitreya Buddha, and a woman in her forties, rosy-cheeked and bedecked in jewels, radiating warmth.
Flanking them were two couples. The older man had plain features and a stern demeanor, while his wife was strikingly beautiful—this was Xia Tianyi, the eldest Xia son, and his wife, Shen Rou. The younger couple featured a handsome, roguish-eyed man and a woman whose sharp-featured, thin-lipped face gave her a somewhat shrewish air despite her delicate looks—Xia Tian Cai, the second son, and his wife, Yu Ya.
Between the couples stood a teenage boy and girl, both around thirteen or fourteen. The girl was lovely in a sky-blue phoenix-patterned dress, exuding sweetness, while the boy, though tanned, was handsome with the same rakish glint as Xia Tian Cai.
The girl was Xia Jiao Jiao, daughter of the eldest branch, and the boy, Xia Jun, from the second branch.
As the group entered, Xia Furen called out first, "Yan Er!"
Xia Yan responded with a smile, "Mother," then nudged Jiang Chao and Jiang Susu forward. "Greet your grandmother."
Xia Furen beckoned warmly. "Chao'er, Su Su, come closer and let your grandmother take a good look at you."Jiang Susu and Jiang Chao stepped forward as instructed. Xia Furen patted their heads, but her expression darkened again when she noticed the veil covering Jiang Susu's face and the bandage wrapped around Jiang Chao's right hand.
"Ah, my dear sister-in-law has finally returned. Mother has been talking about you constantly these past few days," Shen Rou, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xia Family, was the first to speak. "It's been so long—Susu has grown even more beautiful."
At her words, Xia Yan's face stiffened slightly, while Jiang Susu clenched her fists tightly inside her sleeves. Xia Tianyi shot Shen Rou a glare, but Xia Jiao Jiao's gaze held a hint of schadenfreude.
Xia Furen ignored her, but Xia Tian Cai spoke up instead, "How long do you plan to stay this time, sister? I think you should stay a few more days."
"I only brought Susu and Chao'er to see their grandparents," Xia Yan replied with a smile.
The previously silent Xia Marquis suddenly spoke, "Didn’t the eldest young lady come as well? Which one is she?"
Xia Yan smiled. "Ruan'er, come greet your grandfather."
From the shadows, Jiang Ruan finally responded softly, "Yes," and slowly stepped forward.
Earlier, to deliberately intimidate the other daughters of the Jiang Family, the Xia Family had purposely ignored everyone else, speaking only to Xia Yan and her children. Now, at the sound of a gentle voice, a young girl in red emerged from behind Xia Yan and slowly raised her head.
Lips red as cherries, teeth white as pearls. Though still young, her eyes held a captivating charm, devoid of any timidity or childishness—like aged wine, fragrant the moment the seal was broken.
Xia Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly. Though his expression remained smiling, an invisible pressure radiated from him. Yet the girl before him remained unshaken, her faint smile unwavering, as if nothing could bend her straight spine even slightly.
Xia Cheng was surprised. Given his high status, his every move carried an imposing aura—not overwhelmingly so, but enough to unsettle most young girls. Yet Jiang Ruan seemed entirely unaffected. Was she simply ignorant, or was her composure terrifyingly deep?
Recalling the contents of Xia Yan's letter, he gained a deeper understanding of Jiang Ruan. Suddenly, he chuckled. "Indeed, she has grown into a fine young lady—even outshining our own Jiao Jiao."
From the moment Xia Jiao Jiao saw Jiang Ruan's face, a surge of resentment rose in her heart. She had always prided herself on her beauty, but while Jiang Susu had already overshadowed her, now that Jiang Susu's face was ruined, this Jiang Ruan appeared—just as stunning, if not more so. She had assumed that a girl raised in the countryside, even if pretty, would be coarse in manner. Yet now, Jiang Ruan's grace and poise made her seem dull in comparison.
Xia Tian Cai smiled faintly. "Sister, I never knew you had such a fairy-like beauty in your household."
His words carried a hint of impropriety. Lianqiao frowned slightly, but Jiang Ruan acted as if she hadn't heard, showing no trace of embarrassment. This scene, observed by the Xia Family, naturally stirred further contemplation among them.After some conversation, Xia Yan had the maids bring out the prepared gifts. Jiang Susu's handkerchief naturally delighted everyone, while Jiang Dan and Jiang Li's gifts also received praise. Jiang Ruan handed the box of pastries Xia Yan had prepared for her to Xia Furen, who instructed a servant to take it. Suddenly, Xia Furen remembered something: "Since you've all returned today, and the family ancestral hall was renovated last month, you should come and offer incense to the Xia ancestors. The master we invited recently said the Xia family faces a great calamity this year, which can only be averted if someone born in April prays sincerely through the night. I heard from Yan Er that Ruan'er was born on the seventh day of the fourth lunar month. Ruan'er, could you help your grandmother by praying for the Xia family tonight?"
Lianqiao immediately wanted to object. Jiang Ruan wasn't truly part of the Xia family—what did their calamity have to do with her? Moreover, kneeling in prayer all night in the ancestral hall during this freezing weather was clearly a malicious suggestion, obvious even to her. Jiang Ruan's health had been poor during her years at the manor; kneeling all night would either break her or leave her severely ill. But before Lianqiao could speak, Jiang Ruan said, "If I can be of help, I'll do my humble best."
Xia Furen smiled in satisfaction. "Ruan'er is such a sensible child."
Jiang Dan glanced at Jiang Ruan, then at Xia Yan, who was nodding approvingly, and silently lowered her head. After more conversation, Xia Furen claimed fatigue and dismissed everyone to their rooms.
Jiang Susu and Xia Yan accompanied Jiang Ruan to the ancestral hall to offer incense to the Xia ancestors. Then Xia Yan and Jiang Susu left, leaving Jiang Ruan alone to spend the night there.
Xia Yan looked at her with feigned concern. "Ruan'er, this is truly hard on you. If Chao'er and Su Su weren't still unwell and I didn't need to care for them, I would kneel with you."
"Mother, there's no need for such words," Jiang Ruan replied with a faint smile. "We are mother and daughter, after all. Besides, kneeling here tonight is to pray for the Xia family. Perhaps the heavens will see my sincerity and grant my wishes."
Her words sounded naive, yet her expression held no trace of jest—as if she truly believed it would come to pass.
"What wishes does Ruan'er have?" Xia Yan asked with a smile.
"I hope Father rises steadily in his official career."
The higher he climbs, the harder he'll fall.
"I hope Mother remains in good health."
May you live long enough to watch everything you've built crumble, enduring the pain for years to come.
"May Eldest Brother's reputation spread far and wide."
Let the world know his name—as a man everyone despises.
"May Second Sister marry the man of her dreams."
Only to die at the hands of her beloved husband, just as they had done to her in her past life.
"Oh, ancestors of the Xia family," Jiang Ruan murmured softly, palms pressed together. "If you see this humble girl's sincerity, let the Jiang and Xia families flourish like the peonies of Luoyang—in full, glorious bloom for all eternity."You will rot, you will collapse, you will turn from magnificent mansions into the filthiest mud beneath the heavens, trampled upon by all. You will scheme, you will fight amongst yourselves, and in the end, perish at the hands of your own. Oh gods above, if you can see Jiang Ruan's sincerity, let both the Jiang and Xia families be like the peonies of Luoyang—from this moment of their greatest splendor, begin an unstoppable decline, slowly, slowly withering away.
She spoke each word deliberately, those seemingly prosperous and glamorous phrases carrying a dark curse, shrouded in a deathly aura that pressed in relentlessly. Xia Yan looked at Jiang Ruan's calm and composed profile and suddenly felt a surge of terror rise from within.
She immediately stood up, barely suppressing the panic in her heart, and said, "Well then, tonight we owe much to Ruan'er. Mother has other matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave first."
Only after Xia Yan fled the ancestral hall as if escaping did Jiang Ruan slowly rise from the ground.
Kneel? How could these scum of the Xia family bear the weight of her knees?
She glanced around. Just as Xia Furen had said, the ancestral hall had recently been "renovated." The floor was made of the coldest, dampest stone slabs, without even a single brazier lit, leaving the space vast and freezing. Not a single lamp had been lit—only the faint moonlight seeped in through the windows. There was even a hole in the roof, though whether it was Xia Furen's doing was unclear. Chilly raindrops drifted in through the gap, making the cold even more biting.
In this dark and frigid place, only the rows of ancestral tablets kept her company. The incense burner emitted a thin wisp of smoke with an unusual scent. Jiang Ruan took out a handkerchief and stood by the broken window where the air flowed better. She dampened the handkerchief and covered her nose and mouth, frowning slightly.
Moments later, Lianqiao's voice sounded outside: "Miss, this servant has brought some food."
The ancestral hall door opened, and Lianqiao and Shuxiang entered. Lianqiao carried a food basket and said, "I fetched some steamed buns from the kitchen. Miss hasn't eaten anything since arriving—you mustn't let your health suffer." Then, under the dim moonlight, she scrutinized Shuxiang and snapped, "What are you standing there for? Come and help."
Lianqiao was a first-rank maid, while Shuxiang had been promoted to second-rank by Jiang Ruan's order, naturally lower in status. Moreover, Lianqiao was known for her boldness, and even someone as meticulous as Shuxiang was somewhat wary of her. Shuxiang obediently stepped forward and knelt to open the food basket.
Throughout these actions, Shuxiang never looked up to see Jiang Ruan's expression, so she missed the gesture Jiang Ruan made to Lianqiao. Just as Shuxiang was taking out the steamed buns, she suddenly felt someone yank her backward. A handkerchief covered her nose and mouth. She was about to scream when a pungent odor flooded her senses—her vision darkened, and she knew nothing more.
Having worked on the estate for years, Lianqiao was stronger than the average maid. Watching Shuxiang collapse limply to the ground, she asked, "Miss?"
"Strip off her outer clothes," Jiang Ruan ordered.
Lianqiao swiftly removed Shuxiang's garments and handed them to Jiang Ruan, who draped them over herself and stood up.
"Are we just leaving Shuxiang here?" Lianqiao couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity.
"If the Xia family has no ulterior motives, she'll simply be sleeping here in my place for one night," Jiang Ruan said coldly. "But if they do harbor other intentions—well, Shuxiang is Xia Yan's person. Let them turn on each other."Lianqiao thought for a moment and nodded, "You're right. The Xia Family is truly wicked, making the young lady kneel alone in such a place all night. Clearly, they want her to fall gravely ill—what a malicious scheme!" She glanced at Shuxiang and added, "Let Shuxiang take the young lady's place kneeling in the ancestral hall for the night. Compared to what she's done to our lady, it's not too harsh. Thankfully, the young lady had the foresight to order me to get sleeping medicine from the apothecary for emergencies—it worked perfectly."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. If the Xia Family had merely intended for her to catch a chill, Shuxiang would have been unharmed. Unfortunately, their plans were likely far more sinister. She cast a glance at the wisps of smoke rising from the incense burner. "Let's go, first to your servant's quarters."
In the darkness, two maids emerged from the ancestral hall. One of them, her voice clear and indignant, said, "Our young lady is so pitiful, having to kneel all night in the ancestral hall. She'll surely ruin her health. Don't you think so, Shuxiang?"
The other maid murmured in agreement.
The night was hazy, and rustling sounds came from the woods around the ancestral hall, as though someone had slipped away.
...
In another room of the Xia residence, Jiang Susu, her face veiled behind a thin gauze, took a sip of tea and addressed the young man before her: "Cousin, have you thought it over? My Da Jiejie is one of the most beautiful women around. I only think such an excellent match would suit you perfectly, which is why I want to help bring you two together."
Xia Jun looked at her with a roguish yet arrogant expression: "Save your little tricks. Do you really think I don’t see through your schemes?"
A flicker of irritation flashed in Jiang Susu’s eyes. "Cousin, do you agree to this or not?" Among the Xia family, the one Jiang Susu feared the most was Xia Jun. Despite his youth, he was already notorious for his romantic escapades and well-versed in the affairs between men and women. Yet his temperament was dark and unpredictable. Once, Su Su had hidden in Xia Jun’s room, intending to surprise him, only to witness him abusing her personal maid in a cruel and violent manner. The maid’s agonized screams had terrified Jiang Susu as she cowered beneath the bed, leaving her with a deep-seated fear of her cousin ever since. Unlike other men who might show tenderness toward her, Xia Jun treated her with nothing but cold mockery.
(End of Chapter)
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