"My mother was killed by the Jiang family. Though I haven't found evidence yet, I will one day," Jiang Ruan said. "My mother never harbored hatred for the Zhao family. When I was very young, she often told me stories about them."
Jiang Ruan looked at Zhao Guang: "I have a blood debt to settle with the Jiang family, but for now, I only hope General can make this deal with me to save my elder brother."
She wasn't sure how deep the Zhao family's feelings for Zhao Mei truly ran. All her words were meant to stir Zhao Guang's guilt—this deal seemed favorable, but the Zhao family had always been stubborn. If Zhao Guang felt remorse, he would agree to help. She glanced around the hall; the Zhao father and sons all wore expressions of indignation, clearly provoked to anger against Jiang Quan. Except for one... Jiang Ruan met Zhao Yuanfeng's probing gaze and smiled faintly.
Yes, just like this. No matter how much the Zhao family had cherished Zhao Mei, she had been dead for many years—a daughter who had defied her parents and severed ties. Would their feelings have faded?
Jiang Ruan didn't know.
She could only rely on the fragments of what Zhao Mei had once told her about the Zhao family, slowly winning them over.
Apart from the relatively calm Zhao Yuanping, the Zhao father and sons all had reddened eyes. They were passionate by nature, and Jiang Ruan's words had touched on their most beloved youngest daughter, naturally stirring their grief and fury. And though Jiang Ruan had glossed over it lightly, how could life on the estate, framed by a stepmother, have been easy? If Jiang Quan and his wife dared to harm even Zhao Mei, dared to kill Jiang Xin Zhi, how many dangers had Jiang Ruan survived to reach this day?
Zhao Guang's eyes burned with rage.
Jiang Ruan watched him calmly. "General, this deal—do we have an agreement or not?"
"And if not?" Zhao Guang asked.
"I will stop the relief porridge. Since the General has earned His Majesty's praise but refuses to compensate me, you can't expect to reap benefits for nothing. As for the garrison commander's life—saving a life is a noble deed, but the commander won't always be so lucky."
Zhao Guang studied her for a moment before suddenly bursting into laughter. "Good!"
At first, he had found this girl chillingly cold, unfathomable for her young age, and deeply suspicious. But now, knowing about Zhao Mei's fate, he was filled with regret and hatred, his doubts about Jiang Ruan vanishing. He saw her only as his own flesh and blood. How could he not admire her? Poised and dignified in conduct, with intelligence second to none—this was how a daughter of the Zhao family ought to be!
"Enough with 'General,'" Zhao Guang said sternly. "Call me Grandfather."
Jiang Ruan arched a brow and obliged. "Grandfather."
With Zhao Guang's declaration, Zhao Yuanfeng was the first to leap up, striding to Jiang Ruan's side. "So you really are my niece," he said, scrutinizing her before shaking his head. "Ah, you're more striking than Mei'er, but not as sweet-natured."
Zhao Mei had been gentle—she was anything but.
Zhao Yuanjia and Zhao Yi were naturally delighted too, while Zhao Yuanping remained seated, silently observing Jiang Ruan once more.
Just then, voices sounded from behind the hall.
"Yulong, stop running!"
"Even Father couldn't guess who today's distinguished guest is—of course I have to see for myself. Mother, Grandmother, don't follow me.""Second Brother, wait for me, I'm coming too."
"Both of you, stop right there."
Immediately after, the curtain on one side was lifted as two youths stepped out.
Both appeared to be around fourteen or fifteen years old. The taller one was handsome and refined, bearing some resemblance to Zhao Yuanping, while the shorter one was spirited and lively. When they noticed the beautiful young girl standing in the hall, both froze in surprise.
"Yulong, Feizhou." Two elegant women emerged from the hall, calling out gently. Upon seeing Jiang Ruan, they also paused in slight astonishment. The last to step out was the gentle and virtuous Su Shi. She smiled and said, "These two boys—there was no stopping them."
Zhao Yi led Jiang Ruan to Su Shi's side. "Grandmother, look who this is?"
Though Su Shi was past her forties, her eyesight remained remarkably sharp. From a distance, she trembled at the sight of Jiang Ruan. When Zhao Yi brought her closer, Su Shi saw her more clearly and immediately burst into tears. "My Mei'er!"
She pulled Jiang Ruan into a tight embrace.
Jiang Ruan allowed herself to be held gently. After Zhao Mei's death, no one had embraced her with such tenderness. Su Shi's arms around her brought a faint sense of nostalgia.
Zhao Yulong approached Zhao Yuanping and asked, "Father, who is she?"
Zhao Yuanping forced a smile. "She is your aunt's daughter—your cousin."
Upon hearing this, Su Shi, who was still holding Jiang Ruan, trembled again. Slowly, she loosened her grip and studied Jiang Ruan through tear-filled eyes. The initial joy gradually faded—for a moment, she had thought heaven had granted her a chance to reunite with her daughter from beyond the grave. But then, another wave of happiness filled her heart. "Are you Ruan'er?" she asked. When Zhao Mei had just given birth to Jiang Ruan, Su Shi had sent someone to inquire about her.
Jiang Ruan nodded.
Su Shi gazed at her, momentarily at a loss for words, only stroking her hand. "How wonderful... You're just as beautiful as your mother. Already a grown young lady."
Zhao Feizhou stood beside his mother, eyeing Jiang Ruan curiously.
Su Shi asked, "After all these years, I thought I'd never see you again. Ruan'er, does your father know you've come here?"
Just as the Zhao family disliked the Jiang household, the Jiang family held no fondness for the General's Residence either. Su Shi feared Jiang Ruan might face punishment from Jiang Quan for coming unannounced.
Jiang Ruan looked at this gentle woman—her grandmother? There was not a trace of resentment in her. She smiled. "I'll handle it myself."
Seeing her composed demeanor and mature bearing, Su Shi felt both moved and relieved. "Your mother raised you well. Very well."
At these words, Zhao Guang and his son both darkened their expressions.
"Ruan'er, why have you come so suddenly? Have you forgiven your grandmother's mistakes? It was all my fault in the past—I shouldn't have neglected your mother and you. I don't know if you've suffered any hardships..."
Su Shi seemed to have been sheltered and cherished by the Zhao family, unaware of the dangers outside. After a moment of thought, Jiang Ruan smiled. "Grandmother, why say such things? It is I who failed in my filial duty, not visiting you all these years. I've been well—the Jiang household lacks neither food nor clothing, and no one has wronged me."
Wronged? She would take her revenge in due time.
Seeing Jiang Ruan omit the darker truths of the Jiang household, Zhao Guang and his son were inwardly moved. Since Zhao Mei's death, Su Shi had been melancholy for years. Had she learned of the suffering Jiang Ruan and her siblings endured, her heart would have been shattered. Yet Jiang Ruan said nothing of it—clearly, she was mindful of Su Shi's feelings.She smiled faintly. "I came this time specifically to visit my maternal grandparents' family."
Su Shi was overwhelmed with emotion, her heart filled with mixed feelings. She embraced Jiang Ruan and said, "My poor Meier left so early, and you, Ruan'er, have grown up suffering who knows how much hardship. It's all this old woman's fault." Seeing Su Shi on the verge of tears again, Zhao Guang quickly stepped forward and patted her shoulder, comforting her: "Madam, Ruan'er has returned now. Why dwell on unhappy things?"
Zhao Yi also consoled her: "Grandmother, now that cousin has returned, it should be a time for joy."
The two young madams of the Zhao family also joined in comforting her. Su Shi wiped her tears and smiled. "Look at me, bringing up such unhappy matters for no reason. Ruan'er, don't blame this old woman."
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly but said nothing.
With Su Shi present, Zhao Guang and his son could no longer inquire about the Jiang family's affairs. They only asked Su Shi about how Jiang Ruan had lived all these years. Jiang Ruan answered each question, omitting the parts where the Jiang family had treated her poorly. Even so, the indifference in her words allowed Su Shi to glimpse the truth. Since Jiang Ruan didn't wish to speak of it, Su Shi didn't press further, only looking at her with even more affection and heartache.
Zhao Guang and his son already had some understanding of Jiang Ruan's past. Seeing her fabricate lies about living well to ease Su Shi's guilt, their hearts ached even more for her. Zhao Yulong and Zhao Feizhou had never met Jiang Ruan before and only knew that a cousin they'd never heard of had suddenly arrived at the General's Residence. They both regarded her with curiosity.
After Jiang Ruan and Su Shi had talked for a while, Su Shi bustled about, insisting on personally cooking for Jiang Ruan and calling upon the young madams of the Jiang family to help. Once the women had left, Jiang Ruan looked at Zhao Guang and said, "There are still some matters I wish to discuss."
Zhao Guang waved his hand. "Let's go to the study." He then turned to Zhao Yuanjia and the others. "You all come as well."
Zhao Yi, being practically an adult, naturally followed. Zhao Yulong and Zhao Feizhou also wanted to join but were stopped by Zhao Yuanfeng and left reluctantly.
Once in the study, Zhao Guang sat down in a chair and looked at Jiang Ruan. "How does Jiang Quan plan to deal with your elder brother?"
His first question wasn't about the porridge distribution or Chongxin Manor, but about Jiang Xin Zhi. Jiang Ruan was slightly taken aback and smiled. "Does this mean Grandfather has agreed to help me?"
Zhao Guang glared. "He's my Zhao family's grandson. How could I stand by and do nothing?"
Jiang Ruan lowered her head slightly. Initially, she hadn't known the Zhao family's stance, so she had dragged Jiang Quan and Xia Yan into the matter. In truth, no maid had overheard Jiang Quan's plans. But in her previous life, Jiang Xin Zhi had fallen victim to their schemes. After much thought, this seemed the most likely scenario. Even if it meant their plans would come to nothing, she couldn't risk Jiang Xin Zhi's life. She said, "Elder brother will likely arrive in the capital in about five days. On his way back to the capital, an 'accident' is bound to occur." She paused and looked at Zhao Guang. "Though I don't know what method they'll use, they are confident enough to take elder brother's life."
Zhao Guang clenched his fists. "How utterly audacious!"
"The Jiang family doesn't wield that much power. Right now, the Jiang family's coffers are empty, Jiang Quan's career has been repeatedly obstructed—the Jiang family is just an empty shell. The ones truly capable of this are the Xia family.""The Xia Family?" Zhao Yuanping frowned. "Xia Yan's maternal family?"
"Exactly," Jiang Ruan said coolly. "The Xia and Jiang families are connected by marriage. Even if there are conflicts, as long as there is no Eldest Brother, Jiang Chao will be the future head of the Jiang household. If Jiang Chao becomes the head, the ties with the Xia family will remain unbreakable. But if Eldest Brother takes charge, the relationship between the Xia family and the Jiang family won’t last. By reason or sentiment, if the Jiang family seeks help from the Xia family, the Xia family has no grounds to refuse."
Zhao Yuanfeng slammed the table. "Isn’t this driving someone to their death? The Jiang family is truly despicable! Father, let me go kill that dog Jiang Quan!"
Zhao Yuanfeng had always been closest to Zhao Mei. Back then, he had vehemently opposed Jiang Quan’s marriage to Zhao Mei. Now, hearing from Jiang Ruan how much Zhao Mei had suffered under Jiang Quan’s cruelty, and thinking of his beloved sister enduring humiliation all those years, his fury toward Jiang Quan had already reached its peak. Upon learning that Jiang Quan had even plotted against Jiang Xinzhi, he was practically itching to avenge Zhao Mei on the spot.
"Sit down, you fool!" Zhao Guang roared. "Haven’t you caused enough trouble already?"
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Uncle, this matter must involve the Xia family, but there’s another family that might also be involved."
"Who?" Zhao Yuanjia asked.
"Prime Minister Li Dong."
The moment these words were spoken, the expressions of those present changed. After a pause, Zhao Yi asked, "How could Li Dong be connected to the Xia and Jiang families?"
"Li Dong is the Eighth Prince’s man, and so is the Xia family. The Li and Xia families are one and the same. If the Xia family is in trouble, the Li family won’t stand idly by," Jiang Ruan explained with a smile. "Moreover, Jiang Quan intends to marry me off to the Li family’s eldest son as a stepping stone to forge closer ties with them."
"Disgraceful!" Zhao Guang slammed the table, his cheeks trembling with rage, his eyes bloodshot. Who in the capital didn’t know what kind of man Li Yang was? A dissolute wastrel who spent his days in brothels, with so many concubines his backyard couldn’t even hold them all. The scandalous deeds he and his father, Li Dong, had committed in their own household were enough to make one’s ears burn. For Jiang Ruan to enter the Li family would be like a lamb walking into a den of wolves. Jiang Quan was her own flesh and blood—how could he have the face to do such a thing?
Zhao Yi also asked in disbelief, "Cousin, are you telling the truth?"
Jiang Ruan nodded. The Li family might conspire with the Xia family to target Jiang Xinzhi, though not necessarily for this reason. Recently, Li An had been frequently visiting the Jiang residence, and his relationship with Jiang Susu and Xia Yan had grown much closer. Li An was no ordinary man in terms of intellect—he must have realized that the incident involving Li Yang wasn’t Jiang Susu’s doing. Once Li An knew she was the one behind it, he would seek revenge. If Xia Yan wanted to scheme against Jiang Xinzhi, Li An would naturally be happy to lend a hand.
Zhao Yuanjia muttered, "Even a vicious tiger wouldn’t devour its own cubs."
"Those who uphold justice are often butchers and lowly folk, while the heartless are usually the learned. Jiang Quan and Jiang Susu have always been praised for their talent—naturally, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing," Jiang Ruan said indifferently.
Her tone was light, as if she were discussing something utterly mundane, yet beneath that soft voice was a chilling undercurrent of hatred that sent an involuntary shiver down one’s spine. After a pause, she continued, "If they plan to ambush someone on the road, they’ll surely bring a large force. Grandfather, I ask that you dispatch troops and send people to monitor the movements of the Xia and Li families. If there’s any suspicious activity, follow them. That way, we can ensure my eldest brother’s safety.""Has it come to the point where troops need to be dispatched?" Zhao Yuanjia hesitated. "Since Xin Zhi is a deputy general returning with the army, how would they dare commit murder in broad daylight with such a large force?"
"I don't know what method they'll use," Jiang Ruan replied. "But I do know that without sending sufficient manpower, my elder brother's life hangs by a thread. They'll only strike before he enters the capital—once he's within the imperial city, under the emperor's watchful eye, it would be too difficult to act. So they will definitely try every means to take my brother's life. Uncle, don't doubt me." Her tone carried a chill that made Zhao Yuanjia pause. "I'm not doubting you," he said.
"Grandfather, do you agree to my terms?" Jiang Ruan asked.
Though Zhao Guang was a military man, he wasn't impulsive—he always ensured absolute certainty in battle. Yet now, without hesitation, he answered, "I agree. He's my grandson, and the Zhao family will naturally protect him."
"Thank you, Grandfather," Jiang Ruan said.
Zhao Guang studied her. The Jiang Ruan before him was composed, her speech and actions no different from an adult's. Even the Zhao family's teenage boys, Zhao Feizhou and Zhao Yulong, occasionally displayed childish naivety. But Jiang Ruan showed not a trace of youthful innocence. Outwardly gentle, she carried an air of detached indifference—only someone who had experienced the brutality of bloody battlefields could possess such sharpness. He sighed inwardly. Su Shi might not see clearly, but he, having judged countless people, recognized it. After the initial shock, he realized Jiang Ruan had shown no excitement about reuniting with family from start to finish. Her heart was as unyielding as stone. Every word she spoke to the Zhao family today had been carefully calculated, each carrying a specific purpose.
She was scheming against the entire Zhao family—yet her method wasn't deceit or coercion. Like a gentle rain moistening the earth unnoticed, she made it impossible to refuse her requests. Even being manipulated felt willingly done.
Jiang Ruan's precocious wisdom suggested her years in the Jiang family had been far more perilous than she described. After all, she was Zhao family's descendant. Thinking of the deceased Zhao Mei, how could he remain indifferent? At this thought, Zhao Guang no longer wished to press about the porridge distribution or Chongxin Manor. "Your grandmother must have prepared the meal by now. Let's go out together," he said, rising slowly. Whether it was the heavy blow of Zhao Mei's death or something else, his tall, sturdy frame now seemed aged as he walked away.
Zhao Yuanjia and the others followed him out of the study. Just as Jiang Ruan was about to leave, a figure suddenly blocked her path. Zhao Yuanping stopped her with a smile. "What exactly are you trying to do?" His probing gaze fixed on her.
"Second Uncle, I don't understand what you mean."
"The Li family's involvement—it's not for the reason you stated. You're so certain Jiang Xin Zhi will be ambushed, which means there must be another reason. Just because Father didn't ask doesn't mean I won't." Zhao Yuanping's expression gradually hardened. "Jiang Ruan, even if you're Mei'er's daughter, I must ask—what exactly are you planning?"Jiang Ruan gazed at him quietly. The Zhao family had produced three generations of military officers, and Zhao Yuanping was exceptionally intelligent. Unfortunately, the Zhao family did not pursue scholarly paths, so Zhao Yuanping could not bring glory to the family by becoming a top scholar. Well-versed in military strategy and renowned as a brilliant tactician, he excelled in one particular skill—understanding human psychology. On the battlefield, deciphering the enemy's thoughts could lead to victory. At this moment, Zhao Yuanping was wary of her. However, she had never intended to hide anything from him.
She said, "Second Uncle, there’s no need to be so tense. In any case, I would never harm the Zhao family. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have distributed porridge or saved Eldest Cousin’s life. Given your suspicions toward me, have any of my actions so far harmed the Jiang family in the slightest?" Seeing Zhao Yuanping’s unchanged expression, she smiled faintly and continued, "Moreover, if we can save my elder brother, we must capture a group of assassins. Following the clues, if those captured implicate the Li family, it would only benefit the General's Residence. The Zhao and Li families have long been at odds in court—surely you’re aware of this. If the Li family falls, the Eighth Prince’s influence will weaken. Isn’t that exactly what the General's Residence would love to see?"
Zhao Yuanping suppressed his astonishment and frowned. Jiang Ruan had openly laid bare these private matters under broad daylight, and every word struck true to his thoughts. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.
Jiang Ruan said, "Second Uncle, rest assured, I will not harm the Zhao family. The Jiang family and I share an irreconcilable enmity. Even if only to spite them, I will do my utmost to help the Zhao family." With that, she gave Zhao Yuanping a slight bow and walked away.
Behind her, Zhao Yuanping pondered for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle, his expression returning to normal as he headed toward the main hall.
...
While the Zhao residence was filled with warmth and harmony, other parts of the capital were shrouded in gloom, as if a storm had suddenly descended.
In the Delicate Splendor Courtyard of the Jiang residence, Xia Yan grabbed Lin Lang and asked, "Are you certain? Did Lord Sun really say that?"
Lin Lang nodded. "Yes, Madam. Eldest Young Master has indeed been promoted to deputy general and will return to the capital in five days. What should we do now?"
Xia Yan’s grip on the teacup tightened, and with a sharp crack, she hurled it to the ground. The exquisite famille-rose teacup painted with golden butterflies and beauties shattered into pieces. Lin Lang stood frozen, not daring to breathe, shrinking slightly under Xia Yan’s glare.
Xia Yan gritted her teeth. "That little wretch actually had such fortune—why wasn’t he shot dead on the battlefield?" At the moment, she was consumed with finding a way to prevent Jiang Susu from being sent to the family temple. Jiang Quan seemed resolute, and ever since Huijue’s departure, Jiang Susu had been unable to sleep peacefully, claiming nightly that someone was knocking at her door—only to find nothing upon checking. Letters pleading for Huijue’s return were met with his insistence that the demonic aura was too strong and that Jiang Susu must be sent to the family temple as soon as possible to dispel the ill fortune. Xia Yan was so furious she wished she could tear Huijue’s mouth to shreds.
Amidst this turmoil, the sudden news of Jiang Xin Zhi’s promotion and triumphant return to the capital only fueled her rage. But intertwined with her deep-seated jealousy was also a growing unease.Jiang Chao's failure in the imperial examinations had already disappointed Jiang Quan. If Jiang Xin Zhi were to return at such a time with military achievements, it was hard to say whether Jiang Quan might develop other thoughts. Even if Jiang Quan disliked Jiang Xin Zhi and wouldn't shake Jiang Chao's position, Jiang Chao's inability to enter the imperial court meant he couldn't interact with officials. If Jiang Xin Zhi entered the court at this time and established connections with officials, it would pose a disadvantage to Jiang Chao in the future.
In the Da Jin Dynasty, when people spoke of the Jiang family's sons, knowing about Jiang Chao was enough—Jiang Xin Zhi was superfluous. Her Chao must not have a single blemish; his status must not be shaken by anyone. Xia Yan clenched her fists tightly, her beautiful face twisted into a vicious expression, like a man-eating demon: "Jiang Xin Zhi cannot remain!"
"What does Madam mean?" Lin Lang had followed Xia Yan for many years and could more or less guess some of her thoughts.
"If that little bastard returns, what will happen to my Chao? People in this world love to compare. They will only use Jiang Xin Zhi's success to mock Chao's failures. How can I let such a thing happen?" Xia Yan gnashed her teeth. Ever since Jiang Chao failed the imperial examinations and had a finger cut off by someone from the Hundred Flowers House, his temperament had become extremely strange. Gone was his former brightness, replaced by a heavy gloom that made people uneasy just looking at him.
"Is Madam planning to act once the eldest young master returns to the estate?" Lin Lang asked.
"After he returns?" Xia Yan sneered. "That little wretch is so cunning, and her brother is probably no different. How could I give him the chance to enter the estate? I want him to never even set foot in the capital!"
Lin Lang exclaimed in surprise, "Does Madam mean to act on the road...? But the eldest young master has been traveling with the army. It's too risky for Madam to do this, and it might not even succeed."
"What does traveling with the army matter? Just use your brain." Xia Yan said impatiently. "Isn't Jiang Xin Zhi most devoted to his sister? Use her as bait, and he'll obediently walk into the trap." Back then, the reason Jiang Xin Zhi left the Jiang estate to join the military was, in the end, all for Jiang Ruan. Who would have thought he'd actually seize such an opportunity?
(End of Chapter)
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