In this life, she now stood on the very real soil of the General's Residence. Everything had yet to happen—the General's Residence still stood, and all the future calamities could still be averted at this moment.
With a soft smile, she gently spoke, "General Zhao."
The words "General Zhao" snapped Zhao Guang's thoughts back. The young girl before him bore an uncanny resemblance to Zhao Mei, yet upon closer inspection, there were differences. Zhao Mei had appeared fiery and passionate on the surface, but her nature was gentle and soft, with an innocence untouched by the world. This girl, though also clad in red—a blazing hue—wore it with an icy demeanor. Her eyes held a depth and weariness that belied her youth. Though her smile was warm, her nature was far too cold, far too distant.
She was not Zhao Mei.
"Who are you?" The most hot-tempered of the Zhao sons, Zhao Yuanfeng, stood up abruptly. "Why do you look so much like my sister!"
Among the Zhao brothers, Zhao Yuanfeng had been closest to Zhao Mei. Zhao Yuanjia was over a decade older than Zhao Mei and had always been a caring elder brother, while Zhao Yuanping, though intelligent and wise, didn’t quite know how to cheer her up despite his affection. Only Zhao Yuanfeng, with his similarly unrestrained and passionate nature, had been her constant companion in mischief—climbing trees and riding horses together. Their bond had been deep, and now, faced with Jiang Ruan, Zhao Yuanfeng was overwhelmed with emotion.
Jiang Ruan smiled at him. "Little Uncle?"
Zhao Yuanfeng staggered back as if struck by lightning, pointing at her in shock. "You call me Uncle?"
Zhao Yuanjia and Zhao Yuanping both paled, staring at Jiang Ruan in disbelief. Zhao Guang himself trembled violently.
Ignoring their stunned reactions, Jiang Ruan continued, "I am the one who distributed porridge under the Zhao family's banner, and I am also the current eldest daughter of the Jiang family—Jiang Ruan."
With a gentle smile, she added, "By kinship, I should pay my respects to you all." She performed a light bow. "Jiang Ruan greets Grandfather, Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, and Little Uncle."
Zhao Yi, who had been silently observing until now, finally exclaimed, "You're Auntie's daughter?"
He had always known his father had a sister—an aunt—but she was a taboo subject in the Zhao family. By the time he was born, his aunt had already left the residence, so he had never met her. He had only heard snippets from his wet nurse and the household maids. And now, this girl who had once saved him turned out to be his aunt’s daughter?
Jiang Ruan looked at him. "You've had it hard, Eldest Cousin."
The Zhao father and sons stared at her, too shocked to speak.
Lianqiao subtly pressed Granny Zhou's hand, prompting the old woman to rush forward and kneel, weeping. "Master, Master, do you still remember this servant? It was you and Madam who sent me to follow the young mistress to the Jiang family all those years ago!"
"Granny Zhou?" Zhao Guang was taken aback. Back then, when Zhao Mei had stubbornly insisted on marrying into the Jiang family—even at the cost of severing ties with the Zhao family—he and his wife had summoned Zhou Ying from the household to accompany Zhao Mei when she left.
Over a decade had passed in the blink of an eye.
"How did you end up like this?" Zhao Guang frowned. Granny Zhou had been in perfect health when she left, but now she was blind and seemed frail, as if recovering from a serious illness."It was the wicked Jiang family who harmed her," Granny Zhou said. "The Jiang family harmed the young miss, and it was the little miss who saved this old servant's life. Not only did the Jiang family harm the young miss, but they also sought to harm her children. Master, please save the little miss!" With that, she began kowtowing frantically to Zhao Guang, a sight that was utterly heartbreaking.
Jiang Ruan instructed Zisu to help Granny Zhou up and turned her gaze to Zhao Guang. His expression was one of shock, his face instantly turning ashen as he gritted his teeth and spat out, "Jiang Quan!"
"Indeed, my own father," Jiang Ruan said coolly. "General, I beg for your help."
Both Zhao Guang and his son remained silent.
The Zhao family had produced military officers for three generations. Su Shi, Zhao Guang's wife, had borne three sons and one daughter, with Zhao Mei being the third child. As the only daughter, the entire Zhao family doted on her excessively. Though Zhao Guang was a rough-and-tumble military man, he was endlessly patient with Zhao Mei. From her babbling infancy to her delicate girlhood and then to her graceful adolescence, she had been the apple of his eye. When Zhao Mei wanted to ride horses, he spared no expense to find the finest foals for her. When she wished to learn archery, he taught her personally. His three sons—Zhao Yuanjia and his brothers—were often subjected to his harsh scolding, but Zhao Mei never heard a single harsh word from him.
With Zhao Mei being the only daughter, Zhao Guang's affection for her was already boundless, but Su Shi and Old Madam Zhao spoiled her even more. Zhao Yuanjia and his brothers also protected her fiercely, ensuring that no noble youth in the capital dared to bully her.
With such privileged upbringing, Zhao Mei naturally developed a carefree and innocent temperament—warm, generous, and spirited. Yet fate had her cross paths with a man like Jiang Quan.
At that time, Jiang Quan was a rising star in the court—young, handsome, and hailing from a scholarly family, exuding an elegant, bookish charm. For Zhao Mei, who was accustomed to the boisterous company of military men, he was irresistibly captivating. Bold by nature, she devised all sorts of ways to get close to him, and Zhao Guang soon noticed her infatuation.
But Zhao Guang did not approve of Jiang Quan. Though a military man, he was no brute without wits. Having navigated the political arena for years, he could see the ambition burning in the young courtier's eyes.
Ambition alone was not the issue. Ever since the Crown Prince had repeatedly erred and the Eighth Prince's mother began gaining favor, many speculated that the Emperor might change the heir apparent. The court was rife with covert struggles, with many officials secretly choosing sides. The Zhao family remained neutral, adamant about staying out of the succession dispute. Yet Jiang Quan's actions subtly hinted at his inclination to align with the Eighth Prince's faction.
Even if the Zhao family were ever forced to pick a side, they would never choose the Eighth Prince. Ye Li was an inscrutable figure—dealing with him was like trying to skin a tiger. Thus, Zhao Guang took an instant dislike to Jiang Quan.
Su Shi, though doting on her daughter, shared Zhao Guang's view. As a married woman, she could tell that Jiang Quan's gaze held no affection for Zhao Mei. Instead, when facing Xia Yan, the capital's top talent, his eyes brimmed with tenderness. Su Shi was just a woman, and if Jiang Quan had truly loved Zhao Mei, she might have relented. But it was clear he did not—yet he still proposed marriage, which meant he had ulterior motives.
Yet at that time, Zhao Mei was utterly determined to marry Jiang Quan and would listen to no reason.
A rebellious young girl, an obstinate father.Zhao Guang and Zhao Mei had their first argument, and he locked her in her room. Unexpectedly, she climbed out the window and went to see Jiang Quan.
Furious, Zhao Guang declared he would sever ties with Zhao Mei.
Though heartbroken, Zhao Mei still believed that blood was thicker than water. She thought Zhao Guang was just speaking in anger and that once she married Jiang Quan, he would calm down. Then, with a proper apology, they could reconcile as family. The Jiang family thought the same. After all, the Zhao family was a prestigious and noble military household, so Old Madam Jiang didn’t object and quietly arranged the marriage.
However, when it came time for the bride’s customary return visit, the Zhao family refused to acknowledge Zhao Mei. They were determined to cut all ties with her.
Zhao Mei was devastated. As time passed and the Zhao family showed no signs of reconciliation, the Jiang family’s attitude toward her gradually cooled. Before long, Jiang Quan took Xia Yan as a concubine and grew even more distant from Zhao Mei.
With her husband so indifferent and the Jiang family so cold, Zhao Mei spent much time in solitude, reflecting on many things. She felt too ashamed to face her parents and brothers and didn’t want to drag the Zhao family into the Jiang family’s mess. Later, when the Zhao family heard about Xia Yan and came to visit, Zhao Mei sent them away with harsh words.
Back and forth, over time, the Zhao and Jiang families truly became like strangers.
The atmosphere in the hall grew tense.
Zhao Guang looked at Jiang Ruan with a complicated expression.
Over the years, he had sent people to the Jiang residence, but whenever Zhao Mei was there, she treated them with hostility, as if they were enemies. After repeated rejections, Zhao Guang’s heart turned cold. He acted as if he had no daughter, ignoring the entire Jiang family, ensuring no news from them ever reached the General’s Residence.
Now, this granddaughter of his had suddenly appeared. Not only that, but the old servant who once attended Zhao Mei had also brought shocking news. The Zhao family was fiercely protective of their own, and hearing such words would inevitably stir their anger.
Zhao Yuanping, who had been silent until now, spoke. “So, you’re my niece? What was the purpose of the porridge distribution earlier?”
Jiang Ruan raised her head to look at him. This man, rumored to be the cleverest in the Zhao family, had the refined demeanor of a scholar. She smiled faintly. “The Eighth Prince wanted to use this opportunity to drain the Zhao family’s wealth and diminish their influence. Since Second Uncle calls me niece, it was merely a small favor.”
“Where did you get the silver?” Zhao Yuanping stared at her intently, scrutinizing every flicker of emotion on her face.
Jiang Ruan’s expression remained unchanged. “Grain prices have soared more than tenfold now, but I bought it over a month ago.”
Zhao Yuanping teased, “Could you foresee the future?”
“Just a fortunate coincidence,” she replied with a nod.
A glint of sharpness flashed in Zhao Yuanping’s eyes. Unlike Zhao Guang, who was blinded by familial emotions, or Zhao Yuanjia, who was straightforward and honest, or even Zhao Yuanfeng, who was still reeling in shock—as the most level-headed member of the Zhao family, he had been observing Jiang Ruan closely after his initial surprise. Though she bore a striking resemblance to his late sister, Jiang Ruan and Zhao Mei were entirely different people. For instance, right now, her expression was flawless, and she showed no reaction to the Zhao family’s agitation.
She was even more composed and self-possessed than any adversary he had ever faced—yet she was merely a niece.
“Preposterous! How could you know the Eighth Prince’s plans?” Zhao Guang demanded sharply.Jiang Ruan's words left them utterly astonished. However, a young maiden from the inner chambers should not have known about such court affairs under any circumstances. Her blunt revelation made it all the more eerie, leading people to suspect this was merely another one of Jiang Quan's schemes.
"Wait," Zhao Yuanfeng, the most impatient of them all, spoke up. His mind was entirely focused on his niece's situation. "What exactly are you talking about? Didn't you come today to acknowledge your ancestors and return to the family?"
Jiang Ruan smiled at him. This youngest uncle, whom Zhao Mei had often mentioned as being closest to her, hadn't changed a bit in all these years. She replied, "Acknowledging ancestors and returning to the family depends on the General and Madam's wishes. My identity isn't important. Today, I've come only to propose a trade."
"What trade?" Zhao Guang's expression turned cold. If this involved Jiang Quan, then Jiang Ruan's purpose here today was highly suspicious.
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "I've preserved most of the Zhao family's assets and saved the life of the City Garrison Commander, who is essentially a lifeline for the Zhao family. I believe such favors are sufficient. As for the trade, I hope the General can save my elder brother's life. If we consider blood ties, after all, my brother shares half the Zhao family's blood."
"Your elder brother?" Zhao Guang frowned. "What's happened to your brother? And what do you mean by saving Yi'er's life?"
Before Jiang Ruan could answer, Zhao Yi spoke up, "Grandfather, the young lady we encountered on the way to Chongxin Manor that day was this very miss."
Zhao Yuanjia was taken aback. "So it was like that."
Jiang Ruan continued, "Indeed. As for my elder brother, he's safe for now, but the situation is critical. Xia Yan and Jiang Quan want him dead."
She didn't even address Jiang Quan as 'father,' calling him by name directly, revealing the depth of her loathing for him.
"Niece, you must explain this clearly. What exactly are the Jiang family planning?" Zhao Yuanping asked with a half-smile.
"My mother passed away six years ago. I was sent to the manor, and my elder brother joined the military. I only returned to the capital at the end of the year and happened to meet the son of the Regional Commander. I asked him to help gather information about my brother. My brother has now been promoted to deputy general and will return to the capital soon. My maid overheard Jiang Quan and Xia Yan's plan to murder him."
"Niece, could you have misheard?" Zhao Yuanjia exclaimed in shock. "After all, he's Jiang Quan's own flesh and blood. How could he possibly commit such an act?"
Jiang Ruan gave him a cool glance. "Jiang Quan dotes on the children Xia Yan bore him. Without my elder brother, Xia Yan's son Jiang Chao can inherit the entire Jiang family. If my brother returns, Jiang Chao's position will be threatened. Moreover, now that my brother has become a deputy general, he poses a significant threat to Jiang Chao, who is still a commoner. My brother and I have long been thorns in Xia Yan's side. As for the blood ties you mentioned..." Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Perhaps Eldest Uncle has lived too comfortably to understand the hardships of those living under a stepmother's rule. If Jiang Quan truly valued blood ties, he wouldn't have allowed Xia Yan to bribe a Taoist priest to slander me as the 'Star of Calamity and Solitude,' send me to the manor, and repeatedly attempt to kill me. Had I not been fortunate, my mother's grave would have long been accompanied by another coffin."
"What 'Star of Calamity and Solitude'?" Zhao Guang asked coldly.
"General, since you dislike Jiang family affairs, naturally you wouldn't know. But I imagine the City Garrison Commander must have heard about the recent uproar in the capital regarding Void Taoist Priest."Zhao Yi looked at Jiang Ruan in astonishment. As someone who spent his days moving about outside, drinking with colleagues, he had heard about the incident involving the Void Taoist Priest in the Jiang family. At the time, he had deeply lamented the plight of the innocent Eldest Miss Jiang, never realizing that she was actually the daughter of his aunt—his own blood cousin.
"Utterly outrageous!" Zhao Guang slammed his fist on the table, his heart bleeding with regret. He had been wrong. Just as Jiang Ruan had said, Zhao Mei had not been living well at all. Why hadn't she sought help from her family? Why had she driven away the people he sent with harsh words? She had been afraid of implicating the Zhao family! He had been wrong. He should have acknowledged her when Zhao Mei returned home after her marriage. So what if the Jiang family wanted to leverage the Zhao family's influence? At least Jiang Quan wouldn't have dared to bully Zhao Mei and oppress her children the way he did now!
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel