Seeing this, the other ladies quickly rose to take their leave. Having witnessed such a spectacle today, it was hardly appropriate to linger. However, starting tomorrow, the rumors about the Jiang family in the capital were bound to grow yet again.
In the blink of an eye, all the guests had departed. Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Master Huijue, are you leaving now? Let me see you out."
Huijue nodded.
When they reached the gate, Jiang Ruan looked at him with a smile. "Thank you for your assistance today."
"Was what the young lady said before truly sincere?" Huijue lowered his gaze, resembling a benevolent Buddha statue.
"Naturally," Jiang Ruan replied with a smile. "If the Master could help me more often like today, the Buddha, seeing how much merit you’ve accumulated, would surely not neglect your child." She added, "The Master truly opened our eyes today."
Having deceived people for so many years, Huijue knew that success didn’t rely solely on smooth talk. Truth and falsehood intertwined, and he had learned many tricks from the wandering monk who once mentored him. Today, he had merely sprinkled some Pig blood powder mixed with incense as he passed Jiang Susu’s room.
Bats were drawn to pig blood. At this time of year, bats wouldn’t normally appear, but the powder contained a special fragrance that, when combined with the incense burning in the main courtyard, would lure them out even in daylight. To those in the know, this was nothing extraordinary, but to the uninformed, it seemed like a demonic manifestation.
Jiang Ruan smiled. "Mother dotes on Second Sister and won’t easily send her to the Family temple."
"The bats will disperse during the day, but they’ll return at night. With Second Young Lady’s own fears, she won’t oppose it," Huijue said calmly. He had also smeared medicinal powder on Jiang Susu’s doors and windows. The sound of bats crashing against them at night would be loud enough, yet when she opened the door, no one would be there. After a few repetitions, Jiang Susu would grow paranoid and soon volunteer to enter the Family temple.
"Master is truly brilliant," Jiang Ruan remarked, raising an eyebrow. This Huijue was clever and knew how to leave backup plans. If she could firmly secure his loyalty... She smiled. "Since the Master has helped me so much, I have a favor to return. In a few days, I’ll visit again. Please don’t forget my words."
Huijue stared blankly at the young girl before him. Her beautiful eyes held a cold, calculating amusement. Despite her youth, her mind was more intricate than any woman of the inner court he had ever encountered—almost unnervingly so. Collecting his thoughts, Huijue bid Jiang Ruan farewell and left.
...
At the residence of the Lord Gu.
No sooner had Madam Gu returned home than Gu Yi bounded in, rushing up to her in a few strides. "Mother, did you see the eldest daughter of the Jiang family? What was she like?"
Madam Gu smiled. "She’s striking in appearance, gentle in temperament, well-read, and conducts herself properly."
"So she’s good?" Gu Yi grinned. "I knew you’d think well of her." He scratched his head. "What do you think—"
"Tsk, she’s still so young. Hurry back to your room before your father returns and scolds you for this. We’ll discuss it another day," Madam Gu chided with a laugh.
At the mention of Lord Gu’s impending return, Gu Yi immediately scampered off. Once he was gone, Madam Gu sighed deeply.
"Does Madam not think highly of the eldest Jiang daughter?" her maid asked softly."Today you've seen for yourself that the Jiang family's waters run deep. The eldest young lady stirred up such a storm upon her return yet emerged unscathed—her mind is far more complex than appearances suggest." She shook her head: "I only wish to find a simpler girl for Yi'er to marry. That young lady carries too much resentment in her aura."
...
The rain in the capital had been falling incessantly, persisting for nearly a month. Many farmlands had already suffered from flooding, and grain prices in the city began to rise, even for stored provisions. With food scarce in this season, only wealthy households could afford to purchase fresh grains at exorbitant prices from outside, while ordinary families saw their dwindling supplies gradually run out—some even began to go hungry. People prayed fervently for the spring rains to cease, but heaven paid no heed to mortal wishes, and the downpour showed no signs of stopping.
Jiang Quan had already arranged matters concerning the family temple. In a few days, Jiang Susu would be sent there. Though Xia Yan and Jiang Chao had tried repeatedly to persuade Jiang Quan otherwise, his decision was final. The Xia family, due to Xia Jun's involvement, did not intercede on Jiang Susu's behalf, and so the matter was settled.
After Old Madam Jiang's birthday celebration, rumors about the Jiang family inevitably spread throughout the capital. The most prominent was Void Taoist Priest's fabrication of Jiang Ruan's fate as the "Star of Calamity and Solitude," which had unjustly condemned her to six years of suffering in the countryside since the age of six. The elite of the capital were neither blind nor deaf—many discerning individuals saw through the scheme, casting Xia Yan's reputation as a gentle and virtuous talent in a new light. Yet Jiang Ruan's composure that day also revealed her shrewdness, and soon the capital came to realize that this eldest daughter of the Jiang family was not to be underestimated.
Jiang Ruan sat by the window, gazing absently at the curtain of rain outside. The hole in the roof had been repaired, and after that day, not only the hole but also her monthly allowance had been restored to its original amount. No doubt Jiang Quan, embarrassed before the noble ladies, had warned Xia Yan against further interference.
Luzhu carried a pot of fresh roses to place by the courtyard gate, then entered the room with a smile. "Miss, today I heard that Void Taoist Priest was arrested by the authorities for fraud. They say he's a notorious swindler and has been given a severe beating in prison—rumor has it one of his legs is crippled." She spat in contempt. "Serves him right! How dare he spin such vile lies about you being the 'Star of Calamity and Solitude'?"
Jiang Ruan remained indifferent. With so many noble ladies present that day, it was inevitable that someone would expose Void Taoist Priest's misdeeds. Over the years, he had likely served more clients than just Xia Yan. Those who had once sought his services would now be furious upon learning the truth, and it was only natural they would report him to the authorities.
Lianqiao followed her gaze out the window and sighed heavily. "Who knows when this rain will stop?" she murmured. Then, lowering her voice, she added, "Miss, with grain so scarce in the city now, why not sell our stockpile? We'd surely make a fortune."
Jiang Ruan shook her head. Luzhu chimed in, "Does Miss wish to wait a little longer? But the rain could stop anytime—this is the perfect opportunity."
"The grain wasn't bought to be sold," Jiang Ruan replied with a faint smile.
"Then what's it for?" Luzhu asked, puzzled.
"To save lives.""Save lives." Luzhu mulled over these two words, then suddenly her eyes lit up. "Miss, do you plan to distribute these grains for disaster relief later to save those victims?"
"You're only half right," Jiang Ruan smiled. "I don't intend to save their lives." What she wanted to save was the Zhao family.
Luzhu blinked but didn't ask further. After a moment's thought, she suddenly said, "Miss, I heard the northern reservoir in the capital has started overflowing. The Emperor appointed the Eighth Prince to manage the flood control and specifically recalled Young Master Li An from the Prime Minister Li's residence to assist." As a second-tier maid, Luzhu had more opportunities to interact with commoners. Being sociable and well-connected, she often received news firsthand.
"Li An." Jiang Ruan smiled, her eyes gleaming strikingly. "Finally, the wait is over."
Li Dong had two sons. Li Yang was a dashing but utterly useless playboy, now rendered completely incapacitated. Li Dong would never let this go, yet his delayed retaliation against the Jiang family was likely due to his younger son, Li An. Cunning and exceptionally intelligent, Li An had been highly valued by Ye Li in the past. If Ye Li's alliance with Li Dong was thirty percent for Li Dong's influence, seventy percent was for Li An's brilliance.
Li An was also fiercely protective, especially of Li Yang. Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. In her past life, Ye Li had once revealed a secret about Li An—one unknown even to Li Yang and Li Dong. This secret would be her greatest bargaining chip.
She said to Luzhu, "Call Lianqiao and Zisu back immediately and bring a set of Leaf cards."
"Does Miss want to play Leaf cards?" Luzhu grinned. "I'll fetch them right away."
...
Prime Minister Li's residence in the capital.
Li Dong sat on a cushioned couch in the main hall, a beautiful concubine massaging his shoulders while another knelt at his feet, gently pounding his legs. Both concubines wore fearful expressions. Li Dong's face was dark with rage, his usual greasy smile replaced by a vicious scowl, clearly in a foul mood.
A servant announced, "Master, the Second Young Master has returned."
A youth of about seventeen or eighteen entered from outside the hall. Dressed in a simple sky-blue figured martial attire with a black-green belt at his waist, he appeared unassuming. His handsome face was pale, as if he rarely saw sunlight, and his deep black eyes brimmed with gloom.
At the sight of the youth, Li Dong immediately stood up. "What took you so long?"
"Father." Li An frowned. "How is Elder Brother now?"
At the mention of Li Yang, a flash of ruthlessness crossed Li Dong's face. "What else? His life is ruined. I swear Jiang Susu will pay with her life."
"Don't act rashly." Li An shot Li Dong a displeased look. Enraged, Li Dong snapped, "You wrote to tell me to hold off against the Jiang family. What's going on? Your brother is bedridden, and we still can't kill that bitch?"
"Father, do you truly believe Elder Brother was harmed by Second Miss Jiang?" Li An asked.
"What do you mean?"Li An looked at him mockingly: "It's all too obvious. Father is blinded by rage and can no longer think clearly. This is nothing more than a deliberate provocation by someone aiming to stir conflict between the Jiang and Li families, waiting to profit from our strife."
"Someone from the Fifth Prince's faction?" Li Dong asked. Currently, the faction opposing Ye Li with the most influence in the court was undoubtedly the Fifth Prince's.
"No." Li An cut him off. "The Jiang residence is but a small place. The one who ambushed our elder brother must have been hiding within the Jiang household—most likely a Jiang family member. After some thought, the least likely to have plotted against our brother is the Second Miss Jiang. Among the other Jiang daughters, the Third Miss Jiang's maternal aunt's family has political ties with Jiang Quan, so she wouldn’t sabotage her own prospects. That leaves the Eldest Miss and the Fourth Miss. Both have lost their birth mothers and receive no favor from Jiang Quan. If anyone would wish Jiang Quan ill, it would be these two. Judging by the aftermath, the Eldest Miss Jiang benefited the most."
"You're saying the Eldest Miss Jiang framed the Second Miss while plotting against our brother? That bitch!" Li Dong's face twisted with fury.
"Not necessarily. That’s why I need to visit the Jiang residence and see these two for myself to be sure." A strange glint flashed in Li An's eyes. "Daring to scheme against our elder brother—such audacity. If I catch them..." A faint, excited smile curled on Li An's lips, his handsome face now appearing eerily sinister. "It’ll be much more fun to take my time tormenting them."
...
Jiang Ruan was playing leaf cards with Lianqiao and the others, winning every round. Luzhu pouted and said, "Miss always wins. Couldn’t you lose just once to let us have some fun? Are you cheating?"
Lianqiao rapped her on the head. "What nonsense! Losing fair and square and then accusing Miss of cheating—aren’t you ashamed?"
Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow. "Didn’t you learn leaf cards as a child? Why would you need me to let you win?"
Luzhu flushed. "Miss is a natural master."
As they bantered, a young maid suddenly appeared at the door and announced, "Eldest Miss, the Second Young Master of the Li family is in the main hall and wishes to see you."
Lianqiao and Zisu tensed, looking nervously at Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan remained unfazed and remarked, "How swift of him."
"Be careful, Miss," Luzhu said seriously. "The Second Young Master Li is extremely cunning. He might have figured something out."
"It was meant for him to see." Jiang Ruan smiled. "Lianqiao, Zisu, let’s go."
The three of them entered the hall to find Jiang Susu and Jiang Dan already there. Jiang Susu was speaking softly with the young man. Li An said, "Second Miss, so young yet forced into seclusion at the family temple due to demonic possession—what a pity." His tone was full of regret.
Jiang Susu's beautiful eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her delicate appearance exuding pitiful vulnerability. "It’s... just my fate," she murmured. This Second Young Master Li was entirely different from his elder brother. With Li Yang in such a state, Jiang Susu had been apprehensive about Li An’s sudden request to see her. Yet upon meeting him, she found him gentle and kind, offering no blame. Instead, he had comforted her upon hearing of her impending confinement in the family temple. A flicker of resentment crossed Jiang Susu’s heart—this was the match Xia Yan had originally intended for Jiang Ruan. Such a handsome and tender man—why did Jiang Ruan always have such good fortune!Jiang Ruan stood in the hall, naturally taking in Jiang Susu's coy demeanor with a cold smirk in her heart. Jiang Susu was truly naive, thinking the young master sitting before her was some gentle nobleman. The thoughts of this young master ran deeper than the most venomous serpent.
Jiang Dan sat timidly on the side, her expression uneasy, but when she saw Jiang Ruan arrive, she exclaimed with delight, "Da Jiejie!"
Jiang Susu and Li An both turned their gazes toward Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan smiled faintly and stepped forward, offering Li An a slight bow. "Greetings, Second Young Master Li."
Li An quickly appraised Jiang Ruan before replying with a smile, "Miss Jiang."
Jiang Ruan took a seat beside Jiang Dan and looked at Li An. "What brings Second Young Master here today?" She cut straight to the point, unwilling to waste words. A glint flashed in Li An's eyes as he chuckled. "Nothing much, just that my elder brother encountered some trouble at your residence..."
"Oh? How is the eldest young master now?" Her tone feigned concern, but her gaze remained calm.
"Not well," Li An sighed, lowering his head. "He was severely injured that day at your residence."
"What a misfortune," Jiang Ruan remarked. Her indifferent tone inexplicably grated on Li An's ears, as if laced with amusement.
"What does the eldest young lady think of this matter?" Li An raised his voice slightly.
"Just a simple misunderstanding," Jiang Ruan replied with a smile. "My younger sister is still young and doesn’t know better. However, I believe your elder brother isn’t entirely blameless either." She distanced herself effortlessly, speaking as if it were a trivial matter. Jiang Susu, however, seethed with rage beside her. "You—" She swallowed her words. Earlier in the hall, she had subtly fed Li An plenty of information, directing all blame toward Jiang Ruan.
"Just a misunderstanding?" Li An laughed. "I, however, suspect it was deliberately arranged. Does the eldest young lady truly believe it was a misunderstanding?"
"Naturally, I do," Jiang Ruan replied with a faint smile. "If the eldest young master has other thoughts, he is welcome to seek justice from the Capital Magistrate. Failing that, he could even have the Prime Minister reprimand my father during court. If His Majesty wishes to uphold justice for your brother, he may punish my father as well. Though I am a member of the Jiang family, I abide by the law. However, I must remind the eldest young master—he bears half the responsibility for the incident. If the Jiang family faces repercussions, the Li family will not emerge unscathed either."
Li An stared intently into Jiang Ruan's eyes. She knew full well that if this matter reached the Capital Magistrate, the entire capital would learn that Li Yang had been castrated. The news was currently suppressed, but if it spread, given Li Yang’s temperament, he might not survive the shame. Moreover, such an outcome would force a reshuffling within the Prime Minister’s household. If even the Capital Magistrate couldn’t be approached, lodging a complaint with the Emperor was out of the question. Jiang Ruan appeared magnanimous, yet every path she suggested led to a dead end. His interest piqued, Li An chuckled. "Then, Miss Jiang, how do you propose we resolve this matter?"
"That depends on what the Prime Minister thinks," Jiang Ruan replied with a slight smile. "However, after this incident, the future of the Prime Minister’s household will rest on Second Young Master’s shoulders." Her tone was calm, but her gaze carried a deeper meaning.
Li An was momentarily stunned before suddenly clapping his hands in laughter. "Fascinating, truly fascinating! The eldest young lady is so astute—it’s hard not to be captivated."Jiang Susu stiffened, a flash of resentment flickering in her eyes, only to hear Jiang Ruan say indifferently, "Young Master Li was also quite taken with Second Sister before."
Li An abruptly changed the subject, "I heard the young miss's birth mother was a lady from General Zhao's Residence. How is it that all ties have been severed now?"
Jiang Ruan replied impassively, "The departed are gone, all turned to dust—including old acquaintances."
"That won't do," Li An seemed to be deliberately teasing her, "In a few days, I'll be accompanying the Eighth Prince to manage flood control. The Emperor is deeply concerned about the recent flooding in the capital. I heard your cousin, Lord Zhao Yi, is the capital's garrison commander. If he seizes this opportunity, he might achieve great merit."
Jiang Ruan's fingers, hidden in her sleeves, clenched slightly, though her expression remained unshaken. "That has nothing to do with me."
"General Zhao spent half his life on the battlefield, receiving countless rewards. Now, seeing people in the capital struggling to feed themselves is truly worrying. If Lord Zhao could spare some grain for the victims, the people would surely be grateful."
"Young Master, mind your words," Jiang Ruan said coolly. She knew Li An was deliberately provoking her. Even if General Zhao's Residence had mountains of gold and silver, with so many victims in the capital and more refugees pouring in, no amount of stored grain bought at exorbitant prices would suffice—even a fortune could be drained.
Li An laughed heartily, "This conversation with the young miss has been most enlightening. It's getting late, so I shall take my leave. I hope when we meet again, we can converse as pleasantly as today." His handsome face wore a smile, but his deep eyes were unfathomably gloomy, as if laced with venom.
Jiang Ruan nodded slightly, "Certainly."
Without another word, Li An turned and left. The moment his back was turned, his smile vanished, replaced by a terrifyingly dark expression. Once outside the Jiang residence, his attendant cautiously asked, "Young Master, was it the eldest Jiang miss?"
"It was her," Li An mounted his horse. That young girl, with her inscrutable eyes, had not only accepted his challenge but was also provoking him!
He cracked his whip, and the horse let out a long neigh, galloping away in an instant.
...
The streets of the capital were naturally not limited to just this one horse. As Li An rode swiftly, he passed another rider. The other horse was a rare steed, its black coat glossy and sleek, carrying a cloaked figure wearing a bamboo hat. The rider stopped at a tavern in the city, handed the horse to a waiter, and went upstairs.
Upon reaching the second floor, a maid guided him to a private booth. Pushing aside the beaded curtain, he entered, and the occupants inside brightened at the sight of him. A young man seated to the side exclaimed, "Second Brother!"
Guan Lianghan was the Da Jin Dynasty's Guardian General, renowned for his valor and military prowess. Having returned from the campaign ahead of the main troops, he had slipped back first, true to his unrestrained nature. Even the Emperor turned a blind eye to his antics. He looked at the youth who had called him "Second Brother"—it was Mo Cong.
Mo Cong said, "Second Brother, where's the wolf cub from the northwest you promised me last time?" He had long wanted to secretly raise such a cub in his residence."In a few days when the troops return, I'll have them deliver it to you," said Guan Lianghan, a tall and handsome man in his early thirties who inexplicably sported a full beard, giving him a fierce appearance at first glance. "Seems like the capital's effeminate air has turned you soft as a woman. One of these days, I'll take you to the desert with me to toughen up—skinny as a monkey like this."
Mo Cong retorted indignantly, "Second Brother, what's so great about that? All you know is fighting, wasting that big frame of yours. And what's wrong with being skinny? Third Brother is skinny too, and he's doing just fine."
"You dare compare yourself to your Third Brother?" Guan Lianghan raised a hand as if to smack him. "Your Third Brother could crush you with a single finger."
Xiao Shao, who had been sitting silently to the side, finally lifted his head. "Second Brother."
"Listen, Third Brother, is this how you usually spoil this brat? A year apart, and he's gotten even more unruly," Guan Lianghan grumbled.
They were fellow disciples in their youth, a group of eight brothers under the same master. Guan Lianghan ranked second, Xiao Shao third, Mo Cong seventh, and Ye Li was the eighth. Back then, Ye Li had gone up the mountain to train, but after half a year, an incident occurred. From then on, the sect acted as if he never existed, and everyone tacitly avoided mentioning it. Outsiders knew nothing of their connection, so they only addressed each other this way in private.
"How long do you plan to stay in the capital this time?" Xiao Shao asked.
Used to Xiao Shao's aloof demeanor, Guan Lianghan scratched his head. "The northwest sent envoys to negotiate peace. If things go smoothly, I'll be staying in the capital for now."
"That's great, Second Brother! We can hang out together from now on," Mo Cong said excitedly.
"Who the hell wants to hang out with you, you sissy?" Guan Lianghan had always looked down on Mo Cong's timid nature. Mo Cong was also the weakest in martial arts, having barely scratched the surface of their teachings.
Xiao Shao said, "Second Brother, I want to ask you about someone."
"Who?" Guan Lianghan asked.
"Jiang Xin Zhi," he inquired. "Do you have this person under your command? The eldest son of the Jiang family."
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel