If Jiang Ruan's intelligence even surpassed Li An's, she would indeed be an excellent ally. After all, he wanted to win over both the Jiang and Xia families—marrying Jiang Ruan or Jiang Susu made little difference. But with Jiang Susu's reputation now in ruins while Jiang Ruan displayed such brilliance... His thoughts drifted to Jiang Ruan's face, youthful yet already blossoming into captivating beauty, and his heart stirred with a sudden, pleasurable sigh.
If he could make her his own, if only he could... A smile broke across his face, dispelling his earlier gloom. "Prepare my carriage," he said. "I'm going to the palace to see Mother."
The outcome was yet to be decided.
Behind vermilion walls and green tiles, behind layers of curtains, the resplendent palace gleamed with gold and jade—yet none could guess how many bones lay buried beneath its grandeur.
Dream Reflection Hall stood in the southeastern corner of the palace, a tranquil retreat bordered by vast peony gardens. The emperor had personally ordered peony seeds from Luoyang, delivered posthaste and tended by master gardeners before being transplanted here. When the peonies bloomed, the gardens erupted in a riot of color, unmatched in their splendor.
This was the residence of Noble Consort Chen, one of the Four Consorts and mother to the Eighth Prince, currently enjoying the emperor's deep favor.
When the emperor first ascended the throne, his position was precarious. Noble Consort Chen's father, who held military power, sent her to the palace as a gesture of support. For the emperor, this ensured his throne's stability. The Chen family had done him a great service, and Noble Consort Chen herself was gentle, refined, and beautiful, with considerable talent. Unlike other beauties who vied for favor, she never engaged in petty rivalries. The emperor cherished her unassuming nature and, whether intentionally or not, shielded her. Later, when she bore the Eighth Prince, Ye Li, her status rose by her son's merit, eventually elevating her to the foremost of the Four Consorts.
The empress had borne the Crown Prince. Among the Four Consorts, Consort Xian had the Fourth Prince, Consort De the Fifth Prince, and Consort Shu had Princess Heyi.
Court officials all knew that Eighth Prince Ye Li was intelligent and mild-mannered, Fifth Prince Ye Hua loyal and courageous, Fourth Prince Ye Lang mediocre in ability, and Princess Heyi charming and beautiful. The Crown Prince was dull and incompetent, unfit for great responsibility, while Fourth Prince Ye Lang, though amiable, lacked cunning. Thus, the court's favor now leaned toward Ye Li and Ye Hua. And though Ye Hua also had influence, his mother, Consort De, did not enjoy the same imperial favor as Noble Consort Chen.
While storms brewed in the court, Dream Reflection Hall remained a haven of warmth and opulence, seemingly untouched by intrigue and jealousy. Here, time stretched languidly, as if reserved solely for peaceful dreams of misty Jiangnan.
Inside, a white jade couch was draped with a thick Persian wool rug, its fine, snow-white fibers studded with glimmering gemstones. Four maids in sheer white robes, all delicate and fair, stood silently with bowed heads. A light breeze stirred the curtains, lifting them slightly—like celestial maidens in a heavenly palace.
Seated atop the couch, a woman focused intently on weaving knots. Her slender, jade-like fingers bore no trace of polish, their nails glowing with a soft pink sheen as they danced deftly. Unlike other women in the palace, she carried no air of haughtiness. Biting off a thread, she revealed a fair, delicate face—lovely and gentle, without a hint of sharpness. Her demeanor was like water: serene, sweet, tender, and refined. She seemed not an unapproachable noble consort, but rather a maiden from some Jiangnan household, pure and untouched by the world's clamor.Jiang Susu was already peerlessly beautiful, yet there was a hint of deliberate affectation in her demeanor. This woman, however, was entirely different—even within the nine-layered palace walls, she carried an incongruous gentleness and grace, a softness like water ingrained into her very bones.
A faint smile lingered at the corners of her lips. Had anyone passed by at that moment, they would have surely mistaken the scene before them for a fleeting dream of romance, as ethereal as the name of the grand hall itself.
The heavy curtains were abruptly pushed aside as a figure strode in, smiling. "Mother."
Noble Consort Chen set down the silk knot she was weaving and looked at the newcomer, suddenly breaking into a smile. "Why didn’t you have someone announce your arrival?"
Ye Li gazed at the woman before him, and his previously restless heart gradually calmed. Noble Consort Chen possessed a peculiar magic—no matter how tangled the affairs of the world, in her presence, they seemed as simple as the intricate threads she deftly wove into vibrant, colorful knots.
"Mother," Ye Li said, "you must have heard about the matter concerning the Prime Minister’s residence."
Noble Consort Chen’s expression faltered slightly. "I have."
The imperial palace was vast, yet with so many servants coming and going daily, even matters one wished to avoid would inevitably reach her ears. Though she knew of the Prime Minister’s affairs, she did not fret for Ye Li, nor did he appear disheartened. "This son wishes to ask for your help," he said.
"What kind of help?" Noble Consort Chen smiled gently.
"I beg Mother to persuade His Majesty to grant me a marriage with the eldest daughter of the Jiang family," Ye Li stated.
Noble Consort Chen’s serene expression froze at his words. Frowning, she asked, "What?"
"His Majesty has already begun to suspect me regarding the Prime Minister’s affairs," Ye Li explained. "In this matter, Mother cannot intervene directly."
Noble Consort Chen’s current favor in the palace stemmed not only from her father’s influence and her own gentle grace but, more importantly, from her intelligence—surpassing that of the other three consorts. She always maintained a demeanor of quiet detachment, never meddling in court politics nor influencing the Emperor’s decisions. When the Emperor visited the Dream Reflection Hall, he was guaranteed only sweet, untroubled dreams. It was precisely her unambitious nature that the Emperor cherished. Were she to plead for Ye Li or show even the slightest hint of partisanship, the ever-suspicious monarch might never again bestow upon her the same unreserved favor.
Noble Consort Chen understood this, and so did Ye Li. That was why he would never lightly ask her to intercede on his behalf. He knew that as long as Noble Consort Chen retained the Emperor’s favor, His Majesty would never truly abandon him, suspicions notwithstanding.
"The Jiang family is connected to the Xia family. With the Prime Minister’s downfall, the political winds are shifting. I must consolidate my own standing while also signaling my ties to the Xia family. Acting rashly would only invite His Majesty’s suspicion. The Jiang family’s eldest daughter is not favored—using her as a pretext would allow me to allay the Emperor’s wariness without severing all connections to the Xia family."
Noble Consort Chen studied Ye Li in silence. "Your Highness, you are not telling me the full truth."
Ye Li’s gaze stiffened. He had always known this mother of his was astute—how else could she have secured her position as the foremost of the four consorts in the treacherous harem? The Emperor was well aware she was not entirely without schemes, yet he still chose to favor her so. Such was her mastery over the human heart.In fact, along his path to seize the throne, Noble Consort Chen had offered him many strategies. Even the silent disappearances of the Seventh and Ninth Princes in the palace were inextricably linked to her.
But so what? Those people had long since turned into fertilizer beneath the peonies, while Noble Consort Chen's seat had only grown more secure.
He pondered for a moment. "The eldest daughter of the Jiang family is no ordinary person. The sudden downfall of the Prime Minister's residence is closely tied to her. Li An once warned me that Jiang Ruan's intellect is extraordinary—if she could be used as an ally, she would be of great help. I thought, since she possesses such unparalleled talent, perhaps she could be of use."
"Unparalleled talent?" Noble Consort Chen shook her head. "Li An was arrogant and stubborn, ignorant of the truth that there is always someone greater beyond the heavens. It's no surprise he fell into someone else's hands—I knew this day would come. But to be bested by a woman is truly astonishing."
Ye Li replied, "Exactly. That's why I thought, if we could form a marriage alliance, we could bring that woman under our control."
Noble Consort Chen chuckled. "Your Highness is still young and overly reliant on Li An, which is why you take his words so seriously. But I find the claim of her 'unparalleled talent' to be greatly exaggerated. However, since Your Highness speaks so highly of her, it seems she must indeed be different from ordinary women in your eyes. You and I are mother and son—at the palace banquet in a few days, I will personally bring this matter up. I will give her only one year. If she fails to demonstrate her so-called unparalleled talent, she will be unworthy of the title of Your Highness's betrothed. A betrothed can be replaced, but the eldest daughter of the Jiang family... may simply fade away like a flower. What do you think?"
She spoke of taking a life with such indifference, yet her expression remained gentle as a lotus, as if she were a benevolent fairy. Ye Li contemplated for a long time before raising his head. A trace of ruthlessness flickered across his face, so similar to Noble Consort Chen's, as he said, "Very well. If she cannot be of use to us, she must be eliminated—lest she become a future threat."
Noble Consort Chen smiled in satisfaction. "Your Highness is wise."
She picked up a few newly woven decorative knots from a basket nearby. "I made these yesterday. Come, see if they suit your taste."
...
On the eve of the palace banquet, Old Madam Jiang specially instructed Ruyi Pavilion to deliver the newly tailored dresses. The fabrics had all been chosen by the Jiang family's young ladies themselves. When Liu Ruyi brought the dresses, she looked at Jiang Ruan with regret. "Miss Jiang, your complexion is so fair—that fiery cloud satin from the other day would have been perfect for a dress. Though this peach-pink is lovely, it doesn't shine as brilliantly as that bold red."
In Liu Ruyi's eyes, Jiang Ruan was exceptionally suited to red garments. Her beauty was already striking, and dressed in red, she appeared even more radiant and peerless. Yet there was also a composed elegance about her—the fiery hue, when worn by her, carried an icy detachment. Fire and ice were two extremes, yet on her, they merged seamlessly, creating a breathtaking allure that left one unable to look away.
Jiang Ruan herself was well aware of this, and most of her usual attire was red. But this time, for the palace banquet, she had uncharacteristically chosen a peach-pink dress. Though Liu Ruyi subtly hinted otherwise, Jiang Ruan had already made up her mind. Left with no choice, Liu Ruyi could only craft the dress as requested.
"Thank you for your kindness, Manager Liu," Jiang Ruan said with a smile. "But I still prefer this one."Though she didn't understand Jiang Ruan's insistence, Liu Ruyi had come to realize after several interactions that this young lady of the Jiang family was extremely decisive. There must be some reason for her current stance, even if she wasn't sharing it. Thinking this, Liu Ruyi smiled and said, "The young miss is peerlessly beautiful and would look good in anything. This humble one has overstepped. However, the other young ladies of the residence seem to place great importance on this palace banquet—they've had me modify their garments several times."
Her subtle reminder prompted a faint smile from Jiang Ruan. "The palace banquet is a significant event. My younger sisters naturally don't want to disgrace the Jiang family, so it's only right they take it seriously."
What kind of place was the palace banquet? If not for the major flood disaster that had struck the Da Jin Dynasty this year, these daughters of officials might never have had such an opportunity in their lifetimes. Moreover, the banquet would be attended by young noblemen from prestigious families. Everyone wanted to leave a good impression—if it could lead to a favorable marriage in the future, it would be an excellent outcome. Thus, for young ladies of official families, especially those born as concubines' daughters, the palace banquet was an opportunity more precious than life itself.
After delivering the garments, Liu Ruyi took her leave. Jiang Ruan instructed Luzhu to see her out, but unexpectedly, Jiang Xin Zhi entered the courtyard again. The moment he saw her, he asked, "A Ruan, are you prepared for tomorrow's palace banquet?" Noticing the new clothes set aside, he added, "Since you've had new clothes made, you're sure to dazzle everyone tomorrow."
In Jiang Xin Zhi's eyes, there was nothing about Jiang Ruan that wasn't excellent—she was beautiful, gentle, sensible, and strong. He didn't understand distinctions between red or pink garments, simply believing Jiang Ruan would look stunning in anything.
Jiang Ruan couldn't be bothered to respond to his nonsense, but Jiang Xin Zhi sat down across from her and said earnestly, "The palace isn't like the residence. You must follow all rules and etiquette. The Jiang family has likely never taught you palace manners, and they haven't even sent anyone to remind you now. They must want you to embarrass yourself in front of everyone tomorrow. You must remember—"
"Elder brother," Jiang Ruan interrupted before he could finish, "since your return, have you noticed anything improper about me?"
Jiang Xin Zhi was taken aback, then shook his head. "No." This was the truth. Since his return to the capital, he'd felt Jiang Ruan had matured considerably, her demeanor completely different from before—every movement carried grace. Over the past few days, while accompanying Guan Lianghan on various outings, he'd encountered many noble young ladies from high-ranking families, yet none compared to Jiang Ruan. Though still young, Jiang Ruan had been abandoned at the estate by Jiang Quan for six full years without care. Yet instead of developing the crude manners of a countrywoman, she'd grown into someone dignified and refined, even comparable to a princess.
Jiang Ruan smiled. "If there's nothing improper, why worry? If I can handle the Jiang residence, I can handle the palace. The palace is no different from the Jiang residence—just with stricter conditions."
Jiang Xin Zhi frowned. "But you've never been to the palace...""Elder brother," Jiang Ruan interrupted him, "I know the ranks of all the palace maids, the proper bribes for eunuchs, the etiquette required when meeting nobility, and which side palaces are forbidden to enter." She spoke calmly, "How much does elder brother know? Once inside the palace, would you know who is the most trusted eunuch by the Emperor's side? Which seemingly insignificant young eunuch is his godson? Which two of the Empress Dowager's four maids are trained in martial arts? Which imperial concubine has the fiercest temper that's best avoided when possible?"
Her words were slow and measured, but they sent chills down Jiang Xin Zhi's spine. He found them both absurd and unbelievable, yet he had always trusted Jiang Ruan implicitly. Her tone suggested she was intimately familiar with these palace secrets—as if... she had witnessed them firsthand. Of course, Jiang Ruan couldn't have witnessed them, but how could a sheltered young lady from a noble family know such closely guarded palace matters? Each of these details would be considered highly sensitive if revealed. A strange feeling rose in his heart as he looked at Jiang Ruan and asked, "A Ruan, how do you know these things?"
"What does elder brother think?" Jiang Ruan countered.
Jiang Xin Zhi hesitated, immediately thinking of Xiao Shao. The relationship between Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan seemed far from ordinary. Xiao Shao enjoyed the Emperor's deep favor and wielded immense power, moving through the palace with near impunity. If Xiao Shao had told Jiang Ruan these things... On one hand, he felt gratified that Xiao Shao trusted Jiang Ruan so much. On the other hand, it irritated him—Jiang Ruan had no connection to palace affairs, so why would Xiao Shao casually share such dangerous knowledge? Jiang Xin Zhi only wished for Jiang Ruan to live happily and simply, untouched by the world's hardships. The more Xiao Shao told her, the more complicated her life would become.
(End of Chapter)
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