She smiled faintly. "Just now, it was clearly Second Sister who spoke disrespectfully to me, and Second Brother even wanted to slap me. Eldest Brother intervened in haste to stop him, only to find that Second Brother, for all his manly appearance, is so delicate that he went flying with just a touch." She spoke lightly, with evident pleasure. "I know Second Sister is possessed by an evil spirit, so her disrespectful words must be due to demonic influence. After all, though Jiang Ruan is bold, she still fears being tainted by such foul air." Jiang Susu stiffened. Jiang Ruan then turned to Jiang Chao. "Second Brother should also take better care of his health. As the future of the Jiang family, it’s truly concerning that a mere touch sends you flying. But at least you weren’t hurt—what a relief."
Standing beside her tall and imposing elder brother, her gentle smile made the three opposite them pale with fury.
After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Jiang Xin Zhi escorted Jiang Ruan away unharmed, leaving Jiang Quan seething with frustration. Yet now that Jiang Xin Zhi had earned military merits and his temperament had changed drastically, he was no longer as easy to manipulate as before. Jiang Susu tried to fan the flames. "Father, look at Da Jiejie—"
"Silence!" Jiang Quan, already in a rage, found Jiang Susu’s frail demeanor even more irritating. "If you’re carrying foul air, don’t wander around—go back to your courtyard!" With that, he shot Jiang Chao a glare and stormed off.
Jiang Susu stared in shock as Jiang Quan left, while Jiang Chao’s eyes flashed with hatred. In that moment, the siblings silently deepened their loathing for Jiang Xin Zhi and Jiang Ruan.
The night passed peacefully. Early the next morning, Luzhu entered carrying rose pastries, remarking as she walked, "The rain has lightened—it looks like it’s about to stop." Her face showed worry. She knew a little of Jiang Ruan’s plans, and now that the rain was ceasing, how would things proceed?
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, gazing out the window. The rain had thinned to fine threads, the droplets from the eaves falling slower. The air had softened, the oppressive gloom of the past few days lifting. It seemed clear skies were imminent.
Lianqiao handed her a cup of warm jujube longan honey. "It’s not time yet. Wait a little longer."
Jiang Ruan took a sip, her fingers absently tapping the table.
Yes, it seemed the weather was clearing—but in truth, a storm was brewing. The wind howled, foretelling the coming tempest.
...
By the embankment of Bo Chang Reservoir, the reservoir director wiped his sweat as he bustled about, fawning over the noble figure before him. "The water levels are under control, and the dam is stable. With the rain easing, it won’t be long before the skies clear. The success of this flood control effort is entirely due to Eighth Prince and Young Master Li’s leadership."
Ye Li smiled modestly. "I merely did what was expected of me."
The director’s grin widened like a blooming chrysanthemum. "Your Highness is too humble. The lives of the people around the reservoir rest in your hands. The Da Jin Dynasty is blessed to have a lord like you, devoted to the people’s welfare. Once this is over, I will report your achievements to the court in full." His mind raced. Everyone knew the Crown Prince had fallen out of favor, and the strongest contenders for the throne were now the Eighth Prince and the Fifth Prince. Though the Fifth Prince was capable, he couldn’t match the Eighth Prince, whose birth mother held the Emperor’s favor.After much deliberation, it seemed the Eighth Prince had the greater chance of winning. Now that Ye Li had contributed to this matter, seizing the opportunity to curry favor could earn him high regard, ensuring a smooth official career in the future. At this thought, the reservoir director's smile grew even more sincere.
Ye Li smiled warmly, neither denying nor confirming anything. Many commoners had gathered by the embankment to watch the spectacle. During these days of flood control at the reservoir, Ye Li had exerted himself, and the people had taken notice. They were both awed and grateful to see someone of high status personally involved. Commoners were always the easiest to satisfy. Moreover, the reservoir director had exaggerated Ye Li's merits to the skies, making the people even more reverent toward him.
Receiving the adoring gazes of the crowd, Ye Li's smile deepened, a flicker of pride flashing in his eyes. To the people, however, his smile appeared warm and approachable. Seeing this Eighth Prince, rumored among the folk to be virtuous and talented, so gentle, handsome, and noble in bearing, they began to sing praises of his achievements.
Li An, walking beside Ye Li, maintained his usual gloomy expression, but this very demeanor only made Ye Li seem all the more amiable.
Just as the crowd on the embankment was heaping praises, an untimely voice rang out: "Disaster! Disaster!"
The voice wasn't harsh amidst the chorus of admiration, but it was exceptionally clear. Ye Li's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as he turned toward the source of the voice on the embankment.
Hearing this, the crowd gradually quieted down. From among them emerged a monk in yellow robes. His kind face and spotless garments, untouched by dust, gave him the air of a white lotus beneath the Buddha's throne, exuding a faint aura of sanctity.
Someone in the crowd recognized him and exclaimed, "Isn't that Master Huijue? What brings Master Huijue here?"
"It really is Master Huijue! The Holy Monk from the capital, the one whose prophecies are uncannily accurate!"
"What did Master Huijue mean by his words just now?"
Ye Li and Li An fixed their gazes on this unexpected intruder. Huijue's reputation had already spread throughout the noble circles of the capital, especially among Buddhist households, who knew of his considerable abilities. But Ye Li and Li An were atheists, unafraid of gods or ghosts, and regarded Huijue with the same skepticism as any common charlatan.
Huijue clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha. Last night, this humble monk divined a sign: the western dragon aura clashes, and the water dragon rises. A great storm is imminent, bringing extreme peril. The reservoir risks collapse."
"What?" A woman holding a child panicked. "Is what the master says true?"
Huijue pressed his palms together and nodded meekly.
Ye Li, accompanied by Li An, slowly approached Huijue. When they drew near, Ye Li smiled gently and asked, "Is what the master said just now true?"
"A monk does not speak falsely," Huijue replied calmly.
Ye Li and Li An exchanged a glance. Li An suddenly stared at Huijue and demanded, "Master, then what do you propose we do next?"
"The disaster is upon us, imminent and urgent. The lives of thousands downstream are no trivial matter. I implore those living downstream to evacuate overnight and seek higher ground to avoid the suffering of flooding."
Li An burst into laughter.
Seeing Li An laugh, Ye Li's heart settled. His expression remained gentle, but his words carried a chilling edge: "Master, do you know the consequences of inciting panic among the people?"
Huijue met his gaze calmly, unflinching, his clarity and detachment truly reminiscent of a lotus untouched by worldly dust.Ye Li had initially thought the monk was just another common fraud, but seeing the extraordinary aura about him and his repeated insistence on leading the people downstream, suspicion arose in his heart. Instinctively, he assumed this must be someone sent by the Fifth Prince, aiming to steal his credit. Relocating entire families was no trivial matter—if they proceeded and nothing happened, not only would it be seen as a waste of public resources, but he would also become a laughingstock, mocked for being gullible and swayed by the words of an evil monk.
Staring at Huijue’s face, Ye Li found it increasingly repulsive. The Imperial Astronomers had already predicted signs of the rain stopping. With such an easy victory within reach, did the Fifth Prince really think he could interfere? Did he take everyone around Ye Li for fools?
"Master Huijue, do you have any evidence to support your claims?" Ye Li asked calmly.
Huijue lowered his head. "Amitabha. The divination has revealed its signs, but this humble monk has no concrete proof."
"Without evidence, you’re just spreading lies to mislead the people," Ye Li retorted. The Fifth Prince’s methods were too clumsy—hardly worth his time.
"Master Huijue isn’t that kind of person!"
"Exactly, everything the master has said has come true!"
"The master must be telling the truth!"
To Ye Li’s surprise, most of the crowd sided with Huijue. His brow furrowed imperceptibly. The Fifth Prince had actually managed to recruit someone like this, using Huijue’s reputation to pressure him into issuing the order?
A cold laugh echoed in his heart. Unfortunately for them, Ye Li was never one to be manipulated.
"To speak so boldly without proof—Master, reckless words invite disaster." Ye Li still hoped to resolve this smoothly, maintaining his benevolent image.
But Huijue let out a long sigh. "The world praises Your Excellency for your wisdom, decisiveness, and compassion for the people. Are the lives of thousands downstream of the Bo Chang Reservoir not worth taking one risk?"
Ye Li’s expression darkened. The crowd’s gazes, once filled with adoration, now bore suspicion, anger, and confusion.
This monk was stirring up dissent, turning his supporters against him!
Before Ye Li could speak, Li An barked an order: "Where did this evil monk come from, daring to speak disrespectfully to His Highness? Guards, seize him!"
A faint smile curled Ye Li’s lips. There were many things he couldn’t do himself, but Li An could act freely. Keeping Li An by his side wasn’t just for his rare intellect—he was also a master at reading people.
The crowd grew agitated, and Ye Li seized the moment to interject: "Master Huijue is a man of the cloth. I would never disrespect a monk. However, if you continue spouting nonsense and disrupting the capital’s peace, I’ll have to arrange a place for you to rest for a few days. Once the rain stops, you may leave."
Huijue bowed his head. "Amitabha. This humble monk’s life is of little consequence, but the thousands downstream must evacuate tonight, or their lives will be in grave danger."
A glint flashed in Ye Li’s eyes as he replied gently, "By my decree, from today onward, no one downstream of the reservoir is permitted to leave. Those who disobey will be treated as rebels and executed."
A direct challenge, no less.
With the floodwaters stable, allowing this monk’s wild claims to unsettle the people would undermine the "merit" he had painstakingly built.
Huijue regarded him calmly, though none could see the cold sweat drenching his back beneath his wide monastic robes.
After a night of restless deliberation, as dawn broke, he had finally made his decision.Jiang Ruan's offer was too tempting. The world hustles for profit, and the world bustles for profit. If it could truly cure his son's illness, even at the cost of his own life, it would be worth it.
Though he didn’t know who exactly stood behind Jiang Ruan, judging from past events, if even this young girl was so formidable, the person backing her was certainly no ordinary figure. Even if the opponent was the Eighth Prince, fortune was always sought in danger—and this was an unimaginable fortune.
Huijue had traveled all the way from the small confines of Yuzhou to the capital, deceiving people for decades without a single slip-up. Partly because he had some knowledge of Buddhist scriptures, partly because his swindling skills were superb, but most importantly, he was bold yet meticulous. Truth mixed with lies, lies mixed with truth—even seasoned practitioners of deception would struggle to spot his flaws.
Yet today, when facing a member of the imperial family, a trace of unease still crept into his heart. However, years of experience ensured not a hint of it showed on his face. The more compassionately he spoke, the more Ye Li suspected his ulterior motives. By rejecting his proposal, Ye Li achieved his goal.
Jiang Ruan had once reminded him that Ye Li was a man who valued reputation and pursued perfection. If he were captured in full public view, Ye Li would never resort to torture, lest he provoke the people’s wrath. Even if punishment were truly intended, it would only come three days later—but would Ye Li still have the chance to mete it out by then?
Success or failure hinged on this one move. Huijue shook his head, sighed, pressed his palms together in prayer, and said no more, following Li An’s guards as they led him away.
The crowd gathered near the dam now bore no trace of admiration—only panic. They whispered among themselves about the possibility of the reservoir collapsing in three days, and unrest spread like wildfire. Ye Li felt a growing irritation, and for some reason, an ominous premonition stirred in his chest. He glanced at Li An, who understood immediately and scowled. "Did you not hear His Highness’ words just now? Do not spread baseless rumors! Anyone who dares to leave within these three days will be punished without exception!"
Unlike Ye Li, whose face was naturally amiable, Li An’s gloomy expression and low, threatening tone made him appear quite fearsome. The crowd instantly fell silent. Ye Li waved his hand dismissively. "Let’s go."
The ashen-faced reservoir supervisor, who had been trembling in fear, hurried after them, bowing obsequiously all the way.
Though the crowd remained uneasy, Li An’s orders and the presence of soldiers kept them in check, and they soon dispersed. Once the crowd had thinned, two figures remained behind. One, clad in dark blue brocade robes, stood cold and pensive as he studied the dam.
The man beside him, dressed like a guard, spoke up. "Master, Jin Yi and Jin Er have already investigated. There’s no issue with the dam."
Xiao Shao replied, "Keep a close watch here." If the dam wasn’t sabotaged, then it wasn’t man-made—and the sudden intensification of the rain was another matter. He gazed into the distance for a moment before shaking his head, lowering his eyes to conceal their depths.
"Let’s go."
…
Back at the Jiang residence, Luzhu excitedly relayed the latest news to Jiang Ruan. "Master Huijue has stepped forward! The Eighth Prince took him away—will he expose us?"
"He won’t," Jiang Ruan said.Lianqiao and Zisu looked worried, but Jiang Ruan said, "Ye Li is unfathomable and inherently suspicious. He won't deal with Huijue so quickly. Even if he truly intends to, Huijue knows what's at stake. If he can't endure, he'll become a rotting corpse. If he endures, boundless riches await. He's a smart man and naturally knows which choice to make." In truth, in her past life, Ye Li had controlled Huijue to enter the court. Huijue's position wasn't smooth sailing—there were many opposing voices in the court, with countless open and covert attacks. Yet Huijue still managed to attain the position of state preceptor.
Such a man currently lacked only courage, but his will was anything but ordinary.
In this life, wouldn't it be better to turn Ye Li's own arrows against him?
Her gaze suddenly turned cold. Noticing this, Luzhu said, "Miss, there's one more thing. On the way, I ran into the Fifth Madam. She said the master received a letter today about marrying you off to the Prime Minister's residence... to wed the eldest young master Li. It seems the master is preparing to send the marriage agreement over."
(End of Chapter)
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