A Dream within a Dream

"Why should I take orders from you?" Xia Jun retorted.

Jiang Susu pinched her palm to steady herself and replied, "If Cousin insists on missing this opportunity, then I can only feel regret. Su Su knows Cousin has always admired women with unique talents and extraordinary personalities. My Da Jiejie is truly one in a hundred. In a few years, who knows what kind of family Father will arrange for her, but judging by her appearance and temperament, it will surely be a prestigious one. If Cousin doesn’t seize this chance, regret will come too late." She smiled faintly. "Think it over carefully."

Xia Jun’s gaze darkened as he recalled the red-clad girl from earlier—poised and graceful, her face smiling yet exuding an icy aloofness from within, stirring an irresistible urge to conquer her. He wondered if the skin beneath that red dress was as enticing as her face.

His voice hoarse, he asked, "What do you want?"

"My Da Jiejie will be kneeling in the ancestral hall all night tonight. Why not go keep her company? That way, she’s bound to see Cousin in a new light. Who knows, she might even give you her heart." Jiang Susu suggested.

Xia Jun looked at her and suddenly laughed. "Thank you for the advice, Cousin." He stood up. "You should rest early too. We’ll meet tomorrow."

After Xia Jun left, Jiang Susu sat at the table, removed her veil, and traced the ugly scar on her fair skin. She murmured, "Jiang Ruan, how about the charge of defiling the ancestral hall with a man? When dawn comes, let’s see how you cover this up!"

Butterfly’s heart skipped a beat. "Miss, shouldn’t we consult Madam about this? Should this servant go ask her?"

"Silence!" Jiang Susu snapped. "Mother always says she’ll avenge me, but she’s never succeeded. This time, I’ll do it myself."

...

Outside, Xia Jun strode toward the ancestral hall. His attendant cautiously asked, "Young Master, are you really going to comfort Miss Jiang? The Second Miss’s words seem strange—this might not be as simple as it appears."

"Of course it’s not simple," Xia Jun smirked. "I know exactly what Jiang Susu is thinking. But it’s not a bad idea. I’ll ‘comfort’ Miss Jiang properly."

The ancestral hall door creaked open.

Late at night, the rain poured heavier, the moon hidden behind dark clouds. The hall was pitch black, save for the faint glow of incense on the altar, its smoke curling upward.

The incense carried an unusual fragrance, unlike ordinary offerings. After burning for over an hour, the room was thick with its heavy scent.

The moment Xia Jun entered, the aroma filled his senses. His head grew feverish, his palms dry, and he unconsciously licked his lips. Groping forward in the dark, he stumbled over a figure on the ground.

Startled, he crouched and reached out, his hands meeting a warm, soft body. He shook it gently, but there was no response—she seemed unconscious. After a pause, his lips curled into a grin. Moments later, he undid his own robes and reached for the figure in his arms.

The sound of tearing fabric echoed in the hall.

...

The drizzle lasted all night.

By morning, the estate was shrouded in misty rain, the heavy clouds pressing low as if to crush the city. Only the newly greened willow branches, washed clean by the night’s rain, stood out vividly against the gloom.

The spring chill lingered. A maid, rising early, shivered as she pushed open the window and called cheerfully, "Miss, it’s almost time."From beneath the covers, an arm emerged—fair and flawless, slender and delicate. Following the arm upward revealed a face of unparalleled beauty. As she turned over, the other side of her face came into view, marred by a long, hideous scar resembling a grotesque centipede.

The maid froze for a moment before Jiang Susu spoke up, "Is it already dawn?" She chuckled softly, the scarred half of her face twisting into an eerie smile. "I can hardly wait to see this spectacle unfold."

Butterfly fetched a pristine white gown with subtle patterns for Jiang Susu, draped in plain silk. The simplicity of the attire accentuated her delicate beauty—were it not for that dreadful scar. A flicker of resentment flashed in Jiang Susu's eyes as Dragonfly handed her a white veil. After securing it, she gracefully pushed open the door. "Let's go."

The Xia Marquis' estate was twice the size of the Jiang residence, its gardens meticulously landscaped, every detail proclaiming the owner's status. The ancestral hall stood at the end of the garden corridor, its exterior as exquisite as the surroundings, impossible to miss amidst the blooms. A few lingering winter plum blossoms clung to the branches despite the drizzling rain, lending a unique charm to the scene.

Figures appeared in the garden—a tall, jade-like man in white at the forefront, accompanied by a slightly plump companion with a genial smile. Beside them stood two others: one clad in ink-black robes, the other in resplendent attire. Their features remained indistinct in the misty haze.

As Jiang Susu and Butterfly made their way toward the hall, they encountered the group in the garden. Spotting Xia Cheng, she called out from afar, "Grandfather."

Xia Cheng stiffened, but the man in splendid robes beside him spoke first, "So this is the Second Miss Jiang."

Jiang Susu faltered. The group approached, and upon recognizing them, her heart lurched. Among the three strangers, two were Ye Li and Xiao Shao.

Ye Li wore a gentle smile, his warm gaze causing her veiled cheeks to flush. But when her eyes met Xiao Shao's cool, dark ones, her pulse raced uncontrollably.

Xia Cheng had intended to scold Jiang Susu, but seeing Ye Li's expression, he recalled Xia Yan's letter and softened. With a smile, he said, "Susu, pay your respects to His Highness the Crown Prince, the Eighth Prince, and His Royal Highness."

Jiang Susu had been puzzled by the identity of the man in fine robes, but Xia Cheng's words stunned her—he was the Crown Prince. She stole a glance at him: a man in his twenties, bearing the imperial family's handsome traits, though his demeanor paled in comparison to Xiao Shao and Ye Li, his eyes betraying restlessness. Disappointment flickered within her, but memories of Jiang Quan's occasional court discussions tempered it. She stepped forward and curtsied. "Jiang Susu greets His Highness the Crown Prince, the Eighth Prince, and His Royal Highness."

The Crown Prince laughed heartily. "This prince has heard the Jiang family's second daughter is a peerless beauty. Why the veil? Afraid I might devour you?"Upon hearing this, Jiang Susu was startled. Xia Cheng smiled and said, "Your Highness, Su Su was scratched on the face by a cat a few days ago, leaving a scar. She fears the wind, hence the veil. Please forgive her offense."

The Crown Prince frowned. "What a pity. I wonder whose cat was so audacious as to scratch the face of the Second Young Lady of the Jiang family."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness," Jiang Susu said softly. "The cat has already been caught and put to death."

"That's good. I have always been one to cherish beauty. If I had truly seen Second Young Lady's face ruined by a cat, it would have pained my heart."

Jiang Susu lowered her head, seemingly blushing furiously at such absurd words. While she spoke with the Crown Prince, Ye Li watched him with a smile, warm as a spring breeze, yet upon closer inspection, it seemed not to reach his eyes at all.

"By the way, Grandfather," Jiang Susu suddenly remembered something and said, "Da Jiejie has been kneeling in the ancestral hall since last night to pray for blessings. I wonder how she is now? If the maids forgot to call her out, it would be terrible. It's still raining, and the hall is damp and cold. Kneeling all night might harm her health. Shouldn't we go check on her?"

Her expression was full of concern, and her words seemed to show genuine care for Jiang Ruan, as if she were truly a kind-hearted younger sister. Xia Cheng was taken aback, then hesitated and said, "We have guests here. Let the maids go check on her."

"Grandfather, Da Jiejie is my sister. Of course, I worry about her," Jiang Susu said earnestly. "If you ask me to leave now, I won't be at ease. Besides, the esteemed guests are all benevolent and surely won't mind. When they see Da Jiejie's sincerity in kneeling all night to pray for the Xia Family's blessings, won't she be the pride of our Xia Manor?"

Xia Cheng was about to refuse again when the Crown Prince asked with interest, "Is your Da Jiejie the Eldest Young Lady of the Jiang family? The one whose dance on the Exquisite Boat astonished everyone?"

"Indeed," Jiang Susu replied calmly, though the corners of her lips beneath the veil stiffened slightly.

"Perfect. I’ve been wanting to see what this newly famed beauty looks like. Hearing that she knelt all night in the ancestral hall—such rare filial piety—I’d like to see for myself." He turned to Ye Li and Xiao Shao. "Eighth Brother, Ah Shao, you don’t object, do you?" Then he laughed heartily and said to Xia Cheng, "Marquis Xia, lead the way."

Xia Cheng had no choice. This Crown Prince was known for his unpredictable behavior, and reasoning with him was futile. He could only glare at Jiang Susu and force a smile. "Please forgive our impropriety, Your Highness."

Jiang Susu felt a pang of guilt under Xia Cheng's glare, but thinking of what was about to happen, she couldn’t suppress her excitement. She hadn’t expected to encounter Ye Li, Xiao Shao, and even the Crown Prince at the Xia Manor today. With these three present, they would witness Jiang Ruan's disgrace firsthand. And once Jiang Ruan's shame was seen by outsiders, given Jiang Quan's temperament, she would have no choice but to be drowned in a pond. A glint of amusement flashed in Jiang Susu's eyes. Jiang Ruan, you’ll die with this filthy reputation!

The ancestral hall was not far from the garden. A servant stood guard at the door, his legs trembling at the sight of Xia Cheng and the others. Recognizing the servant as one who usually followed Xia Jun, Xia Cheng was momentarily stunned before understanding dawned on him.Who was Xia Cheng? After decades of maneuvering through officialdom, even the origins of the Xia family's marquis title invited deep contemplation. Seeing Xia Jun's personal servant, he had already guessed what was about to happen. A glance at Jiang Susu's expression made everything clear. While Jiang Susu seeking revenge against Jiang Ruan wasn't unacceptable, she shouldn't have dragged his only grandson into this. If this scandal truly erupted today, Jiang Susu would be ruined, but wouldn't Xia Jun's reputation also be destroyed if word got out that he'd done such things in the ancestral hall? Were it not for outsiders present, he would have slapped Jiang Susu twice over. He'd thought this granddaughter was clever—that her talents and beauty could forge connections for the Xia family in the future. Now she'd proven herself a shortsighted fool!

Before Xia Jun could devise a way to divert the group, Jiang Susu suddenly shrieked, "Aren't you cousin's servant? Why are you here?"

Ye Li and Xiao Shao's eyes flickered simultaneously toward the servant. Trembling at the sight of Xia Cheng, the stammering servant mumbled, "This lowly one... this lowly one..."

Jiang Susu frowned and pushed past him to shove the door open without waiting for an explanation. "How strange—could something have happened to Da Jiejie?"

As the ancestral hall doors swung open, an intriguing fragrance wafted out—an exotic scent that left one's mouth parched upon inhalation. Beneath it lurked a nauseating musk. Jiang Susu took a few steps inside before suddenly gasping and fleeing back outside in panic.

Seemingly traumatized, her shoulders shook violently as she stumbled out, colliding with Ye Li. When he steadied her, she collapsed weakly against him.

"Miss Jiang?" Ye Li asked gently.

Tearful eyes lifted to meet his as her entire body trembled. "Da Jiejie... Da Jiejie, she—"

Xia Cheng's heart sank. The Crown Prince, thoroughly intrigued by Jiang Susu's dramatics, strode past them into the hall. As the doors widened, the scene inside unveiled itself to all present.

A licentious spectacle greeted them.

A tangled pair remained locked in intimate embrace on the floor, their garments in disarray from head to toe. The woman's disheveled hair obscured her face as the man cradled her against his chest. Love marks covered her body, her back to the onlookers—silent testimony to the night's debauchery.

Jiang Susu buried her face against Ye Li's chest as if mortified beyond endurance. Though Ye Li's brow creased almost imperceptibly, he still patted her shoulder comfortingly.

With so many witnesses, Xia Cheng could no longer conceal the scandal. "Outrageous!" he thundered.

That such defilement should occur in the family ancestral hall—and before the capital's most elite—burned even his thick skin with shame.

"How could Da Jiejie... with cousin...?" Jiang Susu whimpered from Ye Li's arms. "This is the ancestral hall!"

Xia Cheng shot his granddaughter a venomous glare. Her meddling had ruined everything—this useless girl couldn't orchestrate success, only spectacular failure!"Unfilial son! Unfilial son!" Xia Cheng pointed at the man and woman in the ancestral hall, trembling with rage. "The Xia family has raised you for over a decade, yet you show no sense of shame! To engage in such filthy acts right in the ancestral hall—where is the propriety and decency you were taught? Were you truly raised without any upbringing? How can the Xia family ever rely on you to bring glory to our name!"

Though his words were directed at Xia Jun, the underlying implication was that Jiang Ruan lacked self-respect and had no mother to teach her proper morals. He placed all the blame on Jiang Ruan alone, for the world was always harsher on women. Xia Cheng glanced at the expressions of those present. Ye Li might side with the Xia family, but Xiao Shao and the Crown Prince were less predictable.

The Crown Prince, amused, remarked with a teasing tone, "This is the first time I’ve seen such a scene in an ancestral hall. How fascinating. The Xia Marquis’ residence is truly full of surprises."

As they spoke, the couple on the ground remained unconscious, sprawled shamelessly in disheveled clothing for all to see. Jiang Susu couldn’t help but say, "Da Jiejie seems to have lost consciousness. Why hasn’t she woken up yet? Butterfly, go fetch some clothes for Da Jiejie and help her back to her room."

Butterfly obeyed and left. Ignoring Xia Cheng’s dagger-like glare, Jiang Susu whispered, "I hope Your Highnesses will keep this matter private. After all, my elder sister is a noble lady, and she’s yet to be married. If word gets out, her life will be ruined."

Her words appeared to be for Jiang Ruan’s sake, yet they subtly reminded everyone that Jiang Ruan was still an underage girl, already so shameless—utterly detestable.

Ye Li’s expression flickered, but before he could speak, a cold voice cut in, "Miss Jiang the Second hasn’t even seen the woman’s face clearly. How can you be so certain it’s the eldest daughter of the Jiang family?"

Jiang Susu looked up in shock to find Xiao Shao’s strikingly handsome yet icy profile right before her. His tone gave no hint of emotion.

That day on the Exquisite Boat, when he had helped her, she had assumed Xiao Shao was on her side. But later, when she visited the Brocade Hero King Manor several times only to be turned away, she grew uncertain of his stance. Now, his words seemed to defend Jiang Ruan, deepening her suspicion.

Just then, a soft voice came from behind them. "What is everyone searching for?"

At the sound, Jiang Susu felt as if struck by lightning, her entire body freezing in place. Xiao Shao raised a brow slightly, his gaze following the voice.

There, standing a few steps away amidst the morning dew and flowers, was a girl with black hair and red robes, smiling faintly. She held no umbrella, and the drifting rain settled lightly upon her. Her upturned, alluring eyes held only cold indifference, and the smile on her lips sent a chill down the spine.

"D-Da Jiejie?" Jiang Susu took two steps back.

Jiang Ruan advanced slowly. "So it’s Second Sister. What brings you to the ancestral hall so early in the morning? What has happened?"

With each step Jiang Ruan took forward, Jiang Susu retreated, her eyes filled with terror. Swallowing the accusations on the tip of her tongue, she stammered, "H-how are you here, Da Jiejie? Then... who is in that room?"Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Oh, the one in the room? She's a loyal maidservant of mine. Last night at the third watch, seeing that I was exhausted, she volunteered to kneel in my place for the latter half of the night. Grandmother said we needed someone born in the fourth lunar month to pray for blessings, and coincidentally, this loyal maid of mine was also born in that month." She lied without batting an eye, then feigned surprise. "Why? Has something happened?"

Xia Cheng knew Jiang Ruan was spouting nonsense. Clearly, she had already seen through Jiang Susu's scheme. He glared at her darkly and said slowly, "Someone was engaging in indecent acts in the ancestral hall. I believe your maidservant was among them."

Jiang Ruan opened her mouth slightly, then shook her head. "My maidservant is undoubtedly a chaste young woman. She has always been virtuous and would never commit such a filthy act. Someone must have coerced her. Even if she's just a maid, I must seek justice for her."

"Da Jiejie, how can you say that?" Jiang Susu interjected. "Clearly, it's your own maidservant who lacks virtue. How can you shift the blame onto others?" If a maidservant was immoral, people would inevitably suspect her mistress as well.

"Second Sister, how can you speak like this?" Jiang Ruan smiled. "This maidservant was personally chosen by Mother to serve me. Are you doubting Mother's judgment? Or are you suggesting Mother deliberately placed someone immoral by my side?"

"You—" Jiang Susu was left speechless, her hatred for Jiang Ruan deepening. Xia Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly, but before he could speak, Jiang Ruan suddenly knelt before the Crown Prince. "Though this matter appears to be my maidservant's misfortune, upon closer reflection, she has suffered unjustly in my stead. Had it been me last night, Jiang Ruan would now have no choice but to die to prove my innocence. The villain who did this is truly despicable. Your Highness, with your discerning judgment, I beg you to investigate this thoroughly and punish the scoundrel who has defiled her virtue!"

Her kneeling made Xia Cheng's temples throb with unease. Jiang Ruan had arrived without knowing the identity of the man inside, and the Crown Prince was notoriously unpredictable. If he took a sudden interest, he might actually punish Xia Jun.

Ye Li observed Jiang Ruan's actions, a glint of admiration flashing in his eyes. Xiao Shao watched calmly, his expression unreadable.

The Crown Prince looked at her with amusement. "So you are the eldest daughter of the Jiang family?"

Jiang Ruan smiled at him. "Greetings, Your Highness."

"Indeed, as lovely as they say." The Crown Prince chuckled. "You want me to intervene on your behalf?"

Xia Cheng grew frantic upon hearing this and hurriedly glanced at Ye Li for help. Just then, a maidservant rushed over in a panic. "Master, it's terrible! The mistress has fainted!"

"What?" Xia Cheng exclaimed in shock. He glanced back at the ancestral hall. "Get them out of there at once and summon a physician!" Then he bowed to the Crown Prince and the others. "My wife has suddenly collapsed. We shall address the matter of the ancestral hall later. I beg Your Highness's leniency."

"No matter," the Crown Prince said with a laugh. "Today's drama has been quite entertaining. Let us accompany Lord Xia to take a look." With that, he walked to Xia Cheng's side.

Xia Cheng stiffened, then strode toward the main hall. Jiang Susu hurried after him, and Ye Li followed with a faint smile.

Only Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao remained behind.Jiang Ruan glanced at Xiao Shao expressionlessly before turning to walk forward. She heard his cold voice from above: "How did you know he was the Crown Prince?"

When Jiang Ruan arrived, no one had told her who the Crown Prince was. Yet when she knelt, she had clearly addressed him as "Your Highness the Crown Prince"—a truly suspicious act.

Jiang Ruan froze, silently cursing her own carelessness for giving this man leverage. In a swift turn of thought, she met Xiao Shao's handsome face with a cold stare and replied, "The bearing of a dragon and a worm naturally differ. For instance, the Crown Prince has the bearing of a Crown Prince." Suddenly, she smiled brightly, her tone sincere as she added, "And scum have their own radiance too." With that, she lifted her foot lightly and walked away without even glancing at Xiao Shao's expression.

Upon entering the main hall, they saw a crowd of maids and elderly servants gathered around. The wives of the Xia Family's eldest and second young masters stood to the side, while on the small couch in the center, Xia Furen lay with her eyes tightly shut, her face deathly pale, a streak of dark blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

At the sight, Xia Cheng immediately rushed forward, heartbroken, and cried out, "Furen!"

Shen Rou and Yu Ya stood on either side, looking at Xia Furen with great anxiety, repeatedly calling out, "Mother!"

"Grandmother, what's happened to you?" Jiang Susu pushed through the crowd to Xia Furen's side, tears immediately welling up in her eyes, her concern utterly genuine. Jiang Chao stood nearby, his tone dark as he said, "Grandmother became like this after eating that box of pastries."

Jiang Susu looked at the pastries in surprise, then turned to Jiang Ruan. "Didn't Da Jiejie give those to Grandmother?"

(End of Chapter)