She slowly walked forward. Jiang Xin Zhi looked down at her as Jiang Ruan gently opened her arms and, disregarding the gazes of those around them, embraced Jiang Xin Zhi. She said, "Welcome back, elder brother."
The siblings had finally reunited. Zhao Yuanfeng rubbed his stinging eyes and turned to Xiao Shao and Guan Lianghan, who stood to the side. "Prince Xiao, General Guan, what brings you here?"
Before Xiao Shao could answer, Guan Lianghan spoke up. "Someone dared to target my deputy—how could I stand idly by? I want to see who has the audacity to plot against my men!"
Guan Lianghan and Xiao Shao had suddenly intervened. Zhao Yuanfeng frowned, and Zhao Yi was at a loss. Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Then we must thank Your Highness and the General. These people prepared so many archers—it doesn’t seem like something ordinary individuals could arrange. Perhaps it’s a foreign conspiracy or even a rebellious faction. This matter is no small affair; it concerns the stability of the Da Jin Dynasty. I humbly request the two of you to investigate thoroughly."
With a single remark, she pushed the incident toward treason and conspiracy, exaggerating its implications. The men on the ground glared at Jiang Ruan in fury, while Zhao Yuanfeng and Zhao Yi were torn between laughter and exasperation. Xiao Shao looked at her with a meaningful gaze, and Guan Lianghan frowned. Jiang Xin Zhi patted Jiang Ruan’s head. "A Ruan, what do you mean by that?"
Jiang Ruan smiled at him. "I was thinking—since elder brother has only just arrived in the capital, how could he suddenly provoke such an ambush? There might be other schemes at play."
"These men are zealots—their lips are sealed tight. They won’t confess so easily," Guan Lianghan scoffed.
"Ordinary torture naturally won’t work. They fear neither pain nor death. Forcing them to talk would be harder than climbing to the heavens." Jiang Ruan’s tone remained calm as she delivered her chilling threat. "However, I once heard of a method—peeling open a person’s skull and slowly pouring in scalding oil. The victim remains alive, feeling their brain being cooked bit by bit. Even the most unyielding soul couldn’t endure that sensation."
Everyone stared at her in stunned silence. Just hearing her describe the method was enough to send chills down their spines. The guards on the ground trembled slightly at her words. Zhao Yi swallowed hard. "Cousin, where did you hear such a thing?"
Jiang Ruan smiled gently. "From travelers who’ve journeyed afar. This method isn’t used on people—it’s for monkeys. In their land, there’s a dish called raw monkey brain. They restrain the monkey, peel open its skull, and pour in hot oil, eating the brain as it cooks—fresh and alive. I’ve always thought it too cruel. The monkeys screech incessantly until their brains are completely scooped out." She glanced at the men on the ground, her tone as mild as ever. "I wonder how it would feel for these men to eat their own brains. Truly barbaric."
Zhao Yuanfeng chuckled along. "Indeed, it’s too cruel. But this is all for the people’s sake, for the safety of the Da Jin Dynasty. Who told these men to harbor ill intentions? Ah, General Guan, you must interrogate them thoroughly."The uncle and nephew duo played off each other so well that the person on the ground nearly fainted from anger. Jiang Xin Zhi was slightly taken aback. In his memory, Jiang Ruan had been kind and innocent, unwilling to even harm an ant. Yet now, if he couldn’t discern the implications in her words, he would have wasted all these years. However, seeing Jiang Ruan’s current ruthlessness didn’t upset him—instead, it filled him with deep sorrow. For a naive young girl to have transformed into this, she must have endured immense suffering.
Guan Lianghan, upon hearing Jiang Ruan’s words, thoughtfully glanced at Jiang Xin Zhi and then at Xiao Shao before saying, “So you are…” He swallowed the words “that venomous woman” Mo Cong had used, clearing his throat instead. “Xin Zhi’s younger sister?”
Jiang Ruan nodded.
Zhao Yi patted Jiang Xin Zhi’s shoulder. “Cousin Yi, I’m your elder cousin.” He pointed at Zhao Yuanfeng. “This is my third uncle, your maternal uncle.”
Though surprised, Jiang Xin Zhi, seeing how these men had just saved his life and noticing their seemingly amicable interactions with Jiang Ruan, smiled and said, “Elder cousin, Third Uncle.”
Zhao Yuanfeng spoke up, “A Ruan, now that Xin Zhi is back, why don’t you both stay at the General’s Residence?”
Jiang Ruan shook her head. “No need. Eldest Brother, come back to the Jiang residence with me.” Jiang Xin Zhi’s triumphant return would undoubtedly unsettle Xia Yan and her daughter. The mere sight of him unharmed would likely make them seethe with rage. If they simply retreated to the General’s Residence, how could the next act of the play unfold?
Jiang Xin Zhi, ever obedient to Jiang Ruan, naturally agreed. Zhao Yuanfeng frowned but soon relented. “Very well. With your elder brother by your side, at least no one can bully you. If anything goes wrong, the General’s Residence will always be your refuge.”
The General’s Residence had long severed ties with the Jiang family years ago, yet now they appeared exceptionally close to the Jiang siblings—a sight that carried a different implication in the eyes of Xiao Shao and Guan Lianghan. Jiang Ruan walked up to Xiao Shao, who looked down at her. She smiled and said, “Originally, these men should have been handed over to my cousin and Third Uncle for thorough investigation. But since General Guan and Prince Xiao have intervened, we’ll do you a favor and leave them to you. If you uncover anything useful, it’ll surely be a great merit. When His Majesty rewards you both, don’t forget the Zhao family’s contribution.”
Xiao Shao raised an eyebrow, his striking eyes fixed on her, inwardly amused. Today, they had accidentally aided the Zhao family, yet Jiang Ruan’s words made it seem as though they ought to thank the Zhaos instead? She truly refused to suffer even the slightest loss, insisting on gaining the upper hand even in words. However… Xiao Shao glanced at the men on the ground. What Jiang Ruan had done wasn’t entirely without merit—these men, for instance, could prove highly useful.
Zhao Yuanfeng and Zhao Yi, however, were slightly astonished. Even now, Jiang Ruan hadn’t forgotten to speak up for the Zhao family. It seemed, as she herself had claimed, she would never harm them. At the very least, the Zhao family might stand to gain considerable benefits from this affair.Jiang Xin Zhi gazed at Jiang Ruan with gentle eyes. Now that she carried herself with grace and independence, there was no trace left of the little girl she once was. His heart ached with both sorrow and pride, for he knew better than anyone the price paid behind such rapid growth. Having left home young himself, he silently vowed that now that he had returned to the capital, he would protect Jiang Ruan from any harm within the Jiang family. His sister would be cherished like any other noble young lady, held dearly in the palm of his hand.
As if reading his thoughts, Jiang Ruan lightly patted his hand and said, "Elder Brother, I’ve been well all these years, and seeing you makes it even better. Now that you’ve returned to the capital with military merits, it would be a shame not to parade through the streets on horseback. I want everyone in the capital of the Da Jin Dynasty to witness your heroic bearing, for you to become the youngest hero in the city, and for everyone to envy me for having such a wonderful brother."
Let those who once looked down on them and trampled them into the dust see it clearly—no matter how lowly they had been in the past, now that they were reunited, the siblings stood above, while those who had mocked them were left beneath!
...
The flood had kept the capital’s residents exhausted and scrambling for days. The spring rain drizzled endlessly, but in recent days, the Eighth Prince and the second son of the Prime Minister’s household had made initial progress in flood control. With more people joining the relief efforts to distribute porridge, the situation had stabilized considerably. Gradually, the capital regained its usual order.
For instance, this afternoon, the Guan Family Army, triumphant from the frontier, returned to the capital ahead of schedule. The disciplined and solemn troops nearly filled the entire street. At their head rode a man full of vigor and strength—Guan Lianghan. Riding alongside him was a strikingly handsome young man. Though a military man, he carried none of the coarseness typical of soldiers, instead exuding the elegance of a noble youth from the capital. The young man was unfamiliar to onlookers, and behind the procession was a carriage, its occupant unknown.
Zhao Yuanfeng, his nephew, and Xiao Shao had already departed. Following Jiang Ruan’s suggestion, Jiang Xin Zhi rode through the capital’s streets. He didn’t think much of it, assuming it was merely his sister’s girlish desire to show off. Inside the carriage, Lianqiao secretly lifted a corner of the curtain to peek outside and gasped, "The young master looks so dashing! All the common folk are watching!"
Zisu also smiled. "Now that the young master has returned, our young lady will surely have better days ahead."
Lianqiao’s eyes sparkled mischievously. "The one in Delicate Splendor Courtyard must be seething with rage by now."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly but said nothing. Xia Yan’s reaction to Jiang Xin Zhi’s safe return wouldn’t be limited to mere anger. This matter was far from over—those who schemed against Jiang Xin Zhi shouldn’t expect to walk away unscathed. Ye Li and Li An still had a grand "gift" awaiting them.
At this moment, Jiang Xin Zhi was the epitome of a promising young man. Observing his demeanor alongside Guan Lianghan, it wasn’t hard for the crowd to guess he was the deputy general who had earned military merits—though none had expected him to be so young. Many young women and married ladies lining the streets blushed and tossed silk flowers toward his horse. A faint smile played on Jiang Xin Zhi’s lips. Years of experience had taught him to temper his emotions well. At first glance, he appeared every bit the dashing scholar-general.In the capital, there were also noble ladies and young misses from official families who, upon seeing this scene, began inquiring about the identity of this deputy general. Just then, an abrupt shout rose from the crowd: "Isn't that the eldest son of Lord Jiang's household? I heard he enlisted six years ago—who would have thought he'd return to the capital with military honors!"
This single remark stirred up a storm. Once spoken, the crowd erupted into discussion.
"No wonder he looked so familiar! So it's the eldest son of the Jiang family. Tsk, all these years without a word, and now he's finally made a name for himself."
"Turns out the Jiang family had an eldest son. I don’t recall ever hearing the Jiang household mention him."
"Ah? What’s there not to understand? The Jiang household is now under the stepmother’s control. After all, he’s not her own flesh and blood. Didn’t the eldest daughter of the Jiang family also disappear without a trace for over six years? I reckon the eldest young master didn’t leave home willingly back then either."
"At least things are better now. The eldest young master has military honors, and the eldest young miss is as flawless as jade. Compared to them, the eldest young master is far more accomplished than the second young master. Who knows what Lord Jiang was thinking—neglecting such an outstanding eldest son in favor of doting on the second son."
"You just don’t get it. Men and their favoritism toward concubines over wives—what more is there to say? When the original mistress was still alive, the current Madam Jiang was just a concubine."
The crowd buzzed with all sorts of gossip, most of it praising Jiang Xin Zhi and his sister while disparaging Xia Yan and her family. Leaning against the carriage, Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. People had always been this way—fawning over the successful and trampling on the fallen. Now that Jiang Xin Zhi was young and promising, with a bright future in his career, endless praises naturally poured in. And the more outstanding he was, the more incompetent Jiang Chao appeared by contrast.
...
In Delicate Splendor Courtyard, Xia Yan reclined on a soft couch, sipping tea slowly. Everything had been arranged for today, with the full support of the Xia and Li families. There was no way Jiang Xin Zhi could escape this calamity. She took a sip of tea—once Jiang Xin Zhi was dead, Jiang Ruan would be no threat. There would be plenty of time to deal with her properly. Yet, for some reason, ever since she woke up this morning, an uneasy feeling had gnawed at her, and her expression unconsciously betrayed a trace of agitation.
Noticing this, Feicui comforted her, "Madam, there’s no need to worry. This matter is foolproof. We need only await good news."
Xia Yan remained silent. Just then, the room’s curtain was lifted as Lin Lang hurried in, her face pale with panic. "Madam, something terrible has happened! The eldest young master has returned!"
"What did you say?" Xia Yan shot to her feet, her beautiful face twisting with fury as she grabbed Lin Lang’s shoulders. "Jiang Xin Zhi is back? How is that possible? Are you mistaken?"
"Madam, it’s absolutely true," Lin Lang said. "General Guan and the eldest young master are parading through the streets of the capital with their troops. Everyone has seen them, and the commoners are all talking about it. It’s definitely the eldest young master."
Xia Yan staggered and collapsed back onto the couch, muttering, "How can this be? Does Jiang Xin Zhi have divine protection or something? This is impossible!"
As she spoke, another servant rushed in from outside and blurted, "Madam, the eldest young master has arrived at the mansion’s gates. General Guan is with him. You should hurry to greet them, lest people start gossiping.""Me, welcome him?" Xia Yan couldn't help but shriek. Heaven knew how desperately she wanted to bite Jiang Xin Zhi to death, yet she had to force a smile and pretend to be a loving mother to welcome him! But if she didn't welcome him, given her current precarious position, who knew what malicious gossip about wicked stepmothers the common folk would spread!
"Fine, I'll welcome him!" Xia Yan gritted her teeth. "I'll go welcome my dear son right now!"
Lin Lang and Feicui stood to the side, neither daring to breathe loudly.
As Xia Yan arrived at the entrance with her maids and servants, she heard Guan Lianghan's booming laughter: "Xin Zhi, since you're back home, I won't overstay my welcome. I'll take my leave now. When I see His Majesty later, I'll put in a good word for you and get you a high-ranking official position. Farewell!"
By the time Xia Yan reached the gate, Guan Lianghan had already mounted his horse. He gave Xia Yan a cold stare that sent shivers down her spine. Before she could speak, he cracked his whip with a "Hyah!" and led his troops away.
The entrance of the Jiang residence was crowded with onlookers. Xia Yan quickly approached Jiang Xin Zhi. The once frail boy who hadn't even reached her height had grown into a tall, imposing man. The bloodlust in his eyes when he looked at her was terrifying. Suppressing her unease, Xia Yan examined Jiang Xin Zhi and said with a gentle smile, "Xin Zhi, we've been waiting for your return. All these years, why wouldn't you even send a letter home? Your father missed you terribly. Whatever disagreement you had with him, was running away from home necessary? And for six whole years? He is your father after all."
Her words were sweet and affectionate, her gaze full of maternal warmth, yet every sentence implied Jiang Xin Zhi's filial impiety—how he had left home in a fit of anger with his father, showing a cold and heartless nature. In the Da Jin Dynasty, filial piety was paramount; no matter how grave the matter, one must never act unfilially.
Jiang Xin Zhi didn't even glance at Xia Yan. Instead, he walked straight to a nearby carriage, gently lifted the curtain, and said with a smile, "A Ruan."
When the person inside was helped down, everyone saw it was none other than Jiang Ruan.
Xia Yan was taken aback but quickly smiled. "Ruan Niang, what are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be picking jewelry with Miss Wen?"
Jiang Ruan smiled apologetically. "That was the plan, but on the way, I happened to see my eldest brother leading troops. Overcome with excitement, I decided to return with him." She approached Xia Yan and continued, "Mother, the questions you just asked, I've already asked my brother. Father always knew Eldest Brother wasn't suited for scholarly pursuits, so he focused on teaching Second Brother. Everyone in the Jiang household knows that ever since Mother was alive, Father taught Second Brother to read and write from childhood. Eldest Brother had no talent for literature, but he didn't want to be useless in martial arts either. After Mother passed, in his impulsive grief, he decided to venture out and make something of himself. Who would have thought he'd return as a deputy general? Please don't blame him—it was a blessing in disguise. Besides, the borderlands are harsh and cold. Eldest Brother didn't want to worry the family, which is why he never wrote. Isn't that also why Father never wrote to ask about his well-being? It was all to temper Eldest Brother's character!"Xia Yan's words were dripping with malice, and Jiang Ruan's response was spot on. Look, even when the original wife was still alive, Jiang Quan had diligently taught Jiang Chao while neglecting his own legitimate eldest son. No matter how incapable a family's legitimate eldest son might be, he would still inherit the family estate. What could drive such a son to join the military camp just to fight for a future? The implications in Jiang Ruan's words were truly thought-provoking. It seemed Jiang Quan wasn't genuinely concerned about his legitimate eldest son either—otherwise, in those long six years, he could have easily found out Jiang Xinzhi's whereabouts, or at least sent a letter home. The crowd glanced at Jiang Xinzhi and murmured among themselves. What good did Jiang Quan's careful guidance do? In the end, he still failed the imperial exams, unlike this eldest young master who had fought for everything himself and now had real military achievements to his name.
Xia Yan naturally noticed the shift in the crowd's gaze and was nearly bursting with rage. Just then, a deep, unfamiliar voice called out, "Xinzhi."
Jiang Ruan looked up and saw Jiang Quan himself, followed by Jiang Chao and his siblings, Jiang Li, Jiang Dan, and several concubines. Apart from Old Madam Jiang, who was unwell, the entire Jiang family had gathered.
Jiang Xinzhi faced Jiang Quan and gave a polite but distant nod. "Father."
His cold demeanor instantly stirred a surge of resentment in Jiang Quan. This son of his had grown so outstanding, yet he was now even harder to control. His gaze shifted to Jiang Ruan standing beside Jiang Xinzhi—both children were exceptionally striking in appearance and bearing. Yet, they had come from Zhao Mei's womb!
Jiang Susu's expression remained unreadable, but Jiang Chao's face was taut, his eyes fixed on Jiang Xinzhi like a venomous snake. Jiang Ruan noticed his glare and met it head-on, offering him a faint smile.
To Jiang Chao, that smile was nothing short of blatant provocation. He slowly clenched his fists, his severed little finger curling inward, feeling as though the crowd's gazes were mocking him.
Jiang Ruan's smile didn't waver. After all, when two people of the same status existed in a household, comparisons were inevitable. In her past life, people had compared her to Jiang Susu—the more outstanding Jiang Susu appeared, the more wretched she seemed. Such comparisons could utterly destroy a person. Now, with Jiang Chao, who had always been coddled by Jiang Quan, in the spotlight, how would his pride fare when forced to endure being the inferior one in these comparisons? Would he act rashly in a moment of impulse?
If he remained locked safely in his room, she couldn’t touch him. But if he struck first?
Jiang Li and Second Madam glared hatefully at Jiang Xinzhi, consumed by jealousy and resentment. With Jiang Xinzhi back, no one in the household would dare openly bully Jiang Ruan, at least for now. How was Jiang Ruan so fortunate? Even in such dire straits, she still had an accomplished older brother to rely on.
Hong Ying secretly sighed in relief, grateful she hadn’t made an enemy of Jiang Ruan. With Jiang Xinzhi's return—and as a deputy general, no less—Xia Yan's days in the household would surely become less comfortable. Would Jiang Ruan keep her promise and truly help her secure the position of the household's matriarch? Hong Ying's heart swelled with excitement.
After exchanging a few hollow pleasantries with the Jiang family at the gate, Jiang Xinzhi soon showed signs of exhaustion. "I'm very tired. I'd like to speak with A Ruan first. We can discuss everything else tonight."The siblings had just reunited and surely had much to talk about, so it wasn't appropriate to stop them. Just as Jiang Xin Zhi was about to enter, Xia Yan couldn't help but ask, "Xin Zhi, on your way back... did you encounter anything unusual?"
"What does Mother think I should have encountered?" Jiang Xin Zhi countered. His tone remained as gentle as ever, yet laced with a faint hint of menace. Xia Yan stiffened slightly and forced a smile. "I was merely making conversation."
Jiang Ruan smiled and said, "Mother's words are quite prophetic. Big Brother did indeed encounter a group of rebels on his way back."
"Rebels?" Xia Yan exclaimed, her voice cracking. "How could they be rebels?" Those people were merely meant to ambush Jiang Xin Zhi—how had it turned into a rebellion? The charge of rebellion was no trivial matter; the slightest misstep could lead to the extermination of nine generations.
Jiang Ruan replied softly, "Indeed. There were quite a few archers lying in ambush. Fortunately, General Guan and Prince Xiao arrived just in time and captured them all. They'll likely be interrogated thoroughly, and the mastermind behind it all will surely be uncovered." She gave Xia Yan, who was visibly unsettled, a faint smile. "Once that mastermind is caught, His Majesty will surely have them torn apart by five horses." With that, she ignored Xia Yan completely and, linking arms with Jiang Xin Zhi, walked through the gate.
Jiang Xin Zhi returned in a hurry, and since his courtyard hadn't been prepared yet, he went straight to Jiang Ruan's residence. Luzhu and Granny Zhou had been waiting anxiously, and when they saw everyone return unharmed, they were overjoyed and immediately busied themselves making tea and serving snacks.
Jiang Xin Zhi and Jiang Ruan sat by the window. Looking at his sister, Jiang Xin Zhi asked, "A Ruan, do you suspect Xia Yan was behind this?" He wasn't an ignorant, reckless teenager of thirteen or fourteen. Jiang Ruan's earlier attitude toward Xia Yan was thought-provoking, but how did she know about these matters? Moreover... "Xia Yan couldn't have mobilized so many archers. Those were clearly well-trained soldiers." That was the most suspicious part.
"Xia Yan couldn't do it alone, but the Jiang family could. And don't forget the Li family—perhaps even the Eighth Prince is involved." Jiang Ruan met his gaze. "Elder Brother, you're a warrior who fights on the battlefield. Leave these underhanded schemes of inner household women to me."
"How old are you to be handling such matters?" Jiang Xin Zhi frowned at her, his heart aching with both distress and frustration. "A Ruan, I don't want you involved in these affairs. Leave them to me. If you dislike the Jiang residence, we can move out."
"You're the son of the Jiang family. What will people think if you move out? The capital is full of Imperial Censors. The moment they find any fault with you, they won't hesitate to impeach you. What will happen to your future official career then?" Jiang Ruan replied firmly, "I won't leave the Jiang residence."
"I don't care about being an official," Jiang Xin Zhi said. "A Ruan, as long as you're safe and happy, that's all I want."
(End of Chapter)
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