The General's Residence was the maternal family home of Jiang Xin Zhi, who served as Guan Lianghan's deputy general.
Before his eyes, the faint smile of a young girl surfaced—her enchanting yet cold and solemn eyes, her seemingly amused yet mocking gaze.
Suddenly, he recalled the words Li Dong had mentioned to him yesterday: "Your elder brother is going to marry that bitch Jiang Ruan. The Jiang family is already preparing to send over the marriage agreement."
At the time, he had been too busy inspecting the reservoir for any irregularities and couldn’t be bothered to argue.
Now, those words struck him like a bolt from the blue, crashing heavily onto his heart.
Li Yang wanted to marry Jiang Ruan—undoubtedly to torment her, because Jiang Ruan had castrated him.
But before the marriage agreement could be delivered, the Prime Minister's residence was raided.
A terrifying suspicion arose in his mind: Why had the General's Residence, once known for its cautious and passive approach, suddenly become ruthless and decisive? Why were the Guan Family Army entangled with them? Could it be that everything was connected to Jiang Ruan?
While he had been scheming to ensnare his prey, the prey had been targeting his own backyard.
A feint to the east while attacking in the west—what a brilliant diversion!
Li An stood rooted to the spot, his chest tight with suffocating rage. His neck stiffened abruptly, and with a "pfft," he spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Young Master Li!" The guards were horrified.
Ye Li also stared at him in shock. Li An was a man of profound cunning, always priding himself on his unmatched intellect—when had he ever been so utterly distraught? Frowning, Ye Li said, "You should first—"
"Your Highness, I have some matters to attend to." Li An suddenly clasped his hands in salute. "I must take my leave." With that, he leaped through the window and vanished without a trace.
"Your Highness, should we pursue him?" a guard asked.
Ye Li waved his hand. "No need. He's a smart man—he won’t act recklessly." Rubbing his temples, he felt utterly exhausted by these sudden events. He couldn’t understand how something that had seemed so certain could spiral out of control like this. With the Prime Minister's residence in such a state, he was truly caught between a rock and a hard place.
Sacrificing a pawn to save the king—but this pawn was one of his most crucial pieces. How could he bear to let it go?
"Has that monk still not been brought here?" Ye Li asked impatiently. Even if the dam had been sabotaged, the sudden intensification of the rain couldn’t have been man-made. Could that monk truly possess some extraordinary ability? If so, perhaps he could be exploited—snatching him from the Fifth Prince’s grasp might just make up for the losses incurred earlier.
Just then, a guard rushed in frantically, panic written all over his face. "Your Highness, it's terrible—that monk has been kidnapped!"
...
At the Guan residence.
Guan Lianghan paced back and forth, watching Xiao Shao, who seemed deep in thought. Unable to hold back any longer, he burst out, "Damn it, I can’t take it anymore! Why won’t you let me question Jiang Xin Zhi about last night? That bastard actually stole my military seal! And why did you suddenly mobilize your men last night? Weren’t you afraid Ye Li would recognize your Brocade-clad Guards?"
"He won’t speak of it." Xiao Shao sat down at the desk. "Look closely—someone is targeting the Li family."
"The Prime Minister's residence?" Guan Lianghan suddenly roared with laughter. "The Prime Minister's residence has been sealed—what a delight! That old fool Li Dong—I’ve had enough of his pretentious posturing all these years under the guise of being Prime Minister. Serves him right for this downfall! Wait, what did you just say? Someone is targeting the Li family? Who? Jiang Xin Zhi?"
"Jiang Xin Zhi knows nothing. Questioning him is pointless," Xiao Shao said coldly.“This won’t say, that won’t say—damn it, you’re killing me with suspense!” Guan Lianghan exclaimed. “How did the Zhao family get involved in this? And that monk next door—is he really that capable? Just because he said the rain would worsen and the reservoir would collapse, you all rushed over to evacuate everyone to the mountains? That’s just too damn miraculous!”
“Keep an eye on Huijue and assign some men to protect him,” Xiao Shao reminded. “Ye Li will definitely be searching for him, even to the point of silencing him permanently.”
“Got it.” Guan Lianghan rubbed his hands together. “Anyone who’s Ye Li’s enemy is my friend. This monk is quite the character—he just wiped out all of Ye Li’s previous achievements in flood control in one go. Even if it’s just to spite Ye Li, I’ll make sure he’s well protected.”
Xiao Shao nodded. “Thank you.”
“No need for thanks.” Guan Lianghan sighed as he looked at Xiao Shao. “I don’t know what mysterious business you’re up to, but as your senior brother, I’ll advise you once more: stay out of the court’s messy affairs. Don’t get yourself tangled in them.” Having been fellow disciples for so many years, he knew Xiao Shao’s temperament well—if he didn’t want to talk, no amount of coercion would make him. Last night, Xiao Shao had urgently summoned him to the Brocade Hero King Manor, mobilizing hundreds of Brocade-clad Guards disguised as the Guan Family Army to slaughter every last one of Ye Li’s guards stationed at the reservoir. The Brocade-clad Guards were thorough—no traces would remain of their killings. Though Guan Lianghan didn’t understand Xiao Shao’s motives, he didn’t press further.
“I just need to confirm one thing,” Xiao Shao said coldly.
...
The heavy rain didn’t just collapse the reservoir—it also shattered decades of political stability in the Da Jin Dynasty. The capital was in chaos, especially among those connected to the Prime Minister’s residence. Everyone associated with it was on edge, either shutting themselves indoors or packing their belongings to flee overnight.
The Prime Minister’s residence, once a symbol of glory, had become a quagmire—anyone who touched it would be tainted.
Meanwhile, in the Jiang residence, Jiang Quan angrily demanded of Xia Yan, “Hand over Jiang Ruan’s marriage agreement!”
Though reluctant, Xia Yan forced a gentle smile and obediently returned the agreement meant for the Prime Minister’s family to Jiang Quan. “Ruan’er is truly fortunate,” she said sweetly. “Just one day later, and she would have married into the Li family, becoming the family of a criminal.” But inwardly, she seethed with hatred. Why was Jiang Ruan so lucky? Just one more day—one more day—and she would have been dragged into prison along with the Prime Minister’s household! How did she escape this calamity?
Jiang Quan took the marriage agreement and scolded under his breath, “Shortsighted woman, utterly foolish!” Then, looking at the document, he sighed in relief. “At least we made it in time.”
Given the current situation, it was clear the Emperor intended to thoroughly punish the Prime Minister’s family. Self-preservation was paramount now. If Jiang Ruan had married into the Li family, not only would she have suffered—the entire Jiang family would have been implicated.
Jiang Xin Zhi, who had just returned to the capital after a victorious campaign with Guan Lianghan, had now accomplished another great feat.
Though Guan Lianghan’s unauthorized troop deployment violated military law, the lives of the people outweighed all else. The court had yet to issue any punishment, and the Emperor’s stance was clear—merit could not be overshadowed by fault.Guan Lianghan, a seasoned warrior renowned as the God of War in the Da Jin Dynasty, found little significance in such matters. However, the meteoric rise of Jiang Xin Zhi was different. Already promoted to deputy general at a young age, this achievement was like adding flowers to brocade. Observers speculated that Jiang Xin Zhi's political career would soar to great heights. Who would have thought that the Jiang family, known for generations of civil officials, would produce a military general in Jiang Xin Zhi?
Thus, in recent days, the Jiang residence bustled with activity as countless visitors sought to curry favor with Jiang Quan.
Jiang Quan wiped sweat in secret. The entire prime minister's household had been imprisoned, and the situation looked dire. Even if they were eventually released by some stroke of luck, it would be difficult for the Li family to regain their former glory. With the Eighth Prince's influence weakened, the entire court was treading carefully, and even the Xia Family had fallen silent.
The Jiang family relied on the Xia Family, who in turn depended on Ye Li. If anything happened to Ye Li, the Jiang family's prospects would naturally collapse. Jiang Quan had been deeply troubled by this, but unexpectedly, Jiang Xin Zhi emerged out of nowhere, transforming the Jiang family's precarious situation into one of flourishing prosperity.
While entertaining sycophantic colleagues, Jiang Quan's emotions were complex. If it had been Jiang Chao bringing glory to the family, it would have been one thing—but it was Jiang Xin Zhi. Though Jiang Xin Zhi now seemed to bring many benefits to the Jiang residence, his arrogance since returning was undeniable. If he truly gained the Emperor's favor, wouldn't he turn the Jiang household upside down in the future? This eldest legitimate son had never regarded him with respect, and his capabilities grew by the day. If the Jiang family's legacy were to fall entirely into his hands, what room would there be for Jiang Chao and Jiang Susu? At this thought, a shadow of gloom flickered in Jiang Quan's eyes.
If Jiang Quan's mood was complicated, others felt even worse. In the days following the Bo Chang Reservoir incident, the number of shattered cups and plates in Delicate Splendor Courtyard and Plain Heart Courtyard rapidly increased. Xia Yan happened to be bedridden with a cold, and servants quietly spread rumors that she had fallen ill out of anger over Jiang Xin Zhi's latest achievement.
The rumors spread until, somehow, they reached every corner of the capital. People whispered, "Look, the once-celebrated talented beauty Xia Yan has become nothing more than a petty, jealous woman after entering the household. Her usual dignified, magnanimous demeanor must have been an act. Otherwise, why would she fall sick the moment Young Master Jiang achieved merit?"
The gossip circulated endlessly until it eventually made its way back to the Jiang residence. Almost the next day, Xia Yan miraculously recovered.
Just as Xia Yan's illness subsided, Jiang Chao fell ill, shutting himself in his courtyard and refusing to emerge.
With even the main household in such disarray, the other concubines and daughters of the Jiang family began treating Jiang Ruan with caution.
Regardless of others' attitudes, Jiang Xin Zhi and his sister remained perfectly at ease. If there was one person in the household who was genuinely pleased, it was Old Madam Jiang.
Old Madam Jiang had long been confined to her sickbed. After all, at her advanced age, illnesses struck like a landslide and receded like unraveling silk. Hearing of Jiang Xin Zhi's promotion and return had already brought her immense joy. However, Jiang Xin Zhi had been occupied with military affairs since coming back to the capital, and Old Madam Jiang's health had not fully recovered. Finally, on this day when she could rise and walk about, she eagerly summoned Jiang Ruan and her brother to her side.In Guilan Courtyard, Old Madam Jiang looked with satisfaction at the dignified young man before her. Advanced in years, she had always doted most on Jiang Chao, who had been raised by her side since childhood. But lately, Jiang Chao had repeatedly disappointed her, while this Jiang Xin Zhi, who had suddenly returned victorious from battle, had earned her admiration.
Compared to Old Madam Jiang's warmth, Jiang Xin Zhi appeared polite yet distant—courteous enough but lacking in closeness. After some back-and-forth, Old Madam Jiang discerned his attitude, and her expression gradually lost its earlier amiability.
Jiang Xin Zhi, tempered by military life, ignored Old Madam Jiang's deliberate silence. As for Jiang Ruan, she simply smiled without speaking. Old Madam Jiang hinted, both overtly and covertly, that Jiang Xin Zhi should assist the Jiang family more and, if possible, help Jiang Chao as well. After all, the Jiang estate would eventually be his to inherit, and Jiang Chao was still his younger brother.
Jiang Xin Zhi, however, deftly deflected her words with tactful ambiguity, making no commitments in the end.
Old Madam Jiang, shrewd all her life, was naturally displeased by the siblings' unyielding stance. After a few more polite exchanges, her demeanor cooled, and she waved them off, claiming fatigue.
After Jiang Ruan left, she said to Cai Que beside her, "I thought he was a treasure, but it turns out he doesn't know what's good for him."
"The young master still harbors resentment toward Madam. Once that passes, things will naturally improve. After all, they're still family," Cai Que consoled.
"It's not resentment—it's outright enmity," Old Madam Jiang sighed deeply. "Let them have their way. Xia Yan deserves some hardship." Though she doted on Jiang Chao, he wasn't indispensable to her. Jiang Quan wasn't her biological son, after all. As long as the Jiang family's prosperity was preserved, whether Jiang Chao or Jiang Xin Zhi became its future head made little difference to her.
...
As Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi left Guilan Courtyard, Jiang Ruan remarked, "Grandmother must be upset with you."
"I have no interest in the Jiang estate's position," Jiang Xin Zhi said solemnly. "Let alone offering help."
"Best not to," Jiang Ruan replied with a smile.
Because the Jiang estate would inevitably collapse in the future. Why bother with fleeting glory for those already doomed?
Just then, a corner of clothing peeked out from the garden bushes. Jiang Ruan smiled faintly and suddenly raised her voice, "Since Grandmother acknowledges Eldest Brother as the future head of the family, it must be her sincere wish. Eldest Brother should consider it carefully."
Jiang Xin Zhi was momentarily surprised but, understanding Jiang Ruan's meaning from her expression, he smiled and agreed, "Indeed."
The fabric in the bushes swiftly disappeared. Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi exchanged glances and smiled.
...
While the Jiang siblings strolled leisurely, others were far less at ease—such as the Li family, imprisoned after their residence was raided.
All members of the Prime Minister's household had been arrested and thrown into prison, except for Li An. The Li family's second young master had fled to evade punishment, and despite an extensive manhunt across the capital, no trace of him had been found. This was a major event in the city, with constables searching for him daily.
The Li family's second young master had been exceptionally clever since childhood, and wherever he was hiding, his caution likely made him difficult to catch.
In a filthy, ramshackle inn in the capital's slums, the roof had already been half torn away by days of relentless rain. The dilapidated structure swayed in the wind, as if it might collapse at any moment.A man in gray robes walked in. The innkeeper, who had been dozing at the counter, was surprised to see a customer at this hour and quickly greeted him with courtesy, "Sir, are you looking for a room or a meal?"
"A medium-sized room," the gray-robed man said, pulling out a small piece of broken silver. "Send the food to my room." With that, he headed upstairs. The inn was old and dilapidated, located in a dark alley within the slums—too shabby for the wealthy and too expensive for the poor. As a result, the place had very few guests.
The innkeeper smiled in acknowledgment and went upstairs to find a room for the gray-robed man.
Once the room was secured, the innkeeper returned downstairs, and the gray-robed man closed the door behind him. Slowly, he removed his dusty outer garment, revealing a strikingly handsome face beneath the grime—though his expression was twisted with a sinister gloom.
This man was Li An.
Once known for his unparalleled intelligence and towering pride, Li An now found himself reduced to the state of a stray dog, constantly on the run, evading the authorities. Since childhood, he had been showered with praise, hailed as the hope of the Prime Minister's household. He had always scorned the frivolous, pleasure-seeking ways of Li Yang, who wasted his days in brothels, and looked down upon Li Dong, who knew nothing but indulgence and debauchery.
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel