He looked at Jiang Ruan solemnly and said, "A Ruan, don't mention these matters to anyone else."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Of course, I won't speak of them to others. I only wanted to tell Eldest Brother that I'm not unfamiliar with affairs in the palace. There's no need for you to worry about me. On the contrary, during this trip to the palace, there will inevitably be people plotting against you in secret. You must be careful and avoid acting impulsively."
Jiang Xin Zhi nodded. "I understand." Suddenly remembering something, he took out an object from his robe. "I never had the chance to return this to you before. Now it's back where it belongs."
Resting in Jiang Xin Zhi's palm was a crescent-shaped piece of amber, lustrous and translucent, with half a butterfly wing preserved inside, so lifelike it seemed real. Back on the Wulin Road, those people had attempted to use this amber to lure Jiang Xin Zhi into a trap. He had kept the amber and hadn't returned it to Jiang Ruan until now.
Jiang Ruan said, "This amber went missing six years ago, just before I entered the manor. I never thought it would resurface now." A chill ran through her heart. The amber had disappeared six years ago, only to reappear when Jiang Xin Zhi returned. Could it be that Xia Yan had already planned to use her to harm Jiang Xin Zhi's life six years ago? What a cunning scheme.
Jiang Xin Zhi handed the amber to her. "I won't let those who plotted in secret get away with it."
Seeing the faint anger emanating from him, Jiang Ruan shook her head. "Don't act rashly."
Jiang Xin Zhi glanced up, but his gaze fell on Jiang Ruan's wrist. He asked curiously, "When did you get this bracelet?"
Jiang Xin Zhi didn't know it was the Blood Moon Bracelet. He only noticed that the bracelet didn't seem to be made of ordinary material, emitting a faint, eerie glow—clearly a rare treasure. He had never seen this item among Zhao Mei's possessions, and it couldn't have been a gift from the Jiang family, so he was momentarily puzzled.
Jiang Ruan followed his gaze and pulled her sleeve down to cover the bracelet. "A friend gave it to me."
Jiang Xin Zhi wanted to ask more, but Jiang Ruan deftly changed the subject.
After Jiang Xin Zhi left, Luzhu returned from escorting Liu Ruyi away. Both Lianqiao and Zisu were nervous about the palace banquet the next day and had already begun selecting jewelry from the dressing table's box. Lianqiao picked out a gold filigree cat's eye bracelet, but Zisu shook her head. "It looks a bit too frivolous. Tomorrow, the palace will be filled with noble ladies. It's better to be more dignified." She then took out a green jade hairpin from the box. "How about this one?"
Lianqiao waved her hand dismissively. "No, this one is too plain. It doesn't match the young lady's dress—it wouldn't look good paired together."
Jiang Ruan set down the book in her hand and said, "No need to keep picking. Tomorrow, style my hair in a single spiral bun and use the Rose Hairpin."
Jiang Ruan had never paid much attention to dressing up, usually leaving it to her maids to decide. This time, however, she was unusually specific. Luzhu said, "Young lady, this seems too simple."
"I have my reasons," Jiang Ruan replied. "Let it be so."
Lianqiao and Zisu exchanged glances, both puzzled but refraining from further questions. Luzhu stuck out her tongue and hurried to help tidy the jewelry box. Jiang Ruan gazed at the book before her, her eyes momentarily distant.
As if compensating for the relentless rain of the past days, the weather had been clear and pleasantly warm for several days in a row. The clouds were light, the sky a brilliant blue, and tender buds sprouted green on the branches. Spring quietly draped its colors over the capital of the Da Jin Dynasty.Lianqiao and Zisu had risen early to prepare food for Jiang Ruan, worried that the wait during the palace banquet would be too long and that she couldn’t eat too much at once. They had readied small dishes in advance: a plate of steamed ham with eggs, green rice porridge, and hibiscus pastries—simple and light. After Jiang Ruan finished eating, Luzhu brought in a small wicker box, smiling as she said, “The palace has many rules, so I prepared some pastries from Guangdezhai for you, miss. If you get hungry on the way, you can have something to tide you over.”
Lianqiao nodded. “That’s thoughtful.”
Zisu, while styling Jiang Ruan’s hair, added, “Is there anything else we need to prepare? Let’s not forget anything.” Her hands were deft, and in just a few twists, she fashioned a lovely single-coil bun. She then picked out a pale red Rose Hairpin from the jewelry box and gently tucked it into Jiang Ruan’s hair, smiling. “There, all done.”
Jiang Ruan raised her eyes to the mirror. She was naturally alluring and radiant, with striking features, but due to her past life’s experiences, she carried a demeanor that seemed beyond her years. The playful single-coil bun, however, lent her a touch of youthful innocence she rarely showed. Her gaze deepened slightly. In her previous life, palace rules dictated heavy, elaborate hairstyles, with hairpins and ornaments weighing down one’s head—nothing as simple and refreshing as this.
Lianqiao also remarked in surprise, “Miss, you look quite lovely like this.”
“When has our miss ever not looked lovely?” Luzhu chimed in. “Even in such a simple style, her natural beauty shines through.”
“You even know the phrase ‘natural beauty shines through’?” Lianqiao teased, narrowing her eyes with a smile. “How eloquent.”
The group laughed and chatted for a while until Cai Que, Old Madam Jiang’s maid, came to inform them that Jiang Ruan could set off.
The carriages were waiting at the entrance of the Jiang residence, all intricately carved and gilded sandalwood carriages exuding a faint, elegant fragrance. The one for the young ladies was especially delicate and small, its curtains made of the finest “sky-after-rain” silk, adorned with tiny sachets.
Old Madam Jiang stood at the gate, speaking with Jiang Xin Zhi. When she saw Jiang Ruan, she said, “Today’s palace visit requires utmost caution, eldest girl. Mind your words.”
To Old Madam Jiang, Jiang Xin Zhi’s achievements had brought honor to the Jiang family, making him its pride. As for the conflict between Jiang Xin Zhi and Xia Yan, she saw it as nothing more than a youthful misunderstanding. After all, they were all part of the Jiang household—blood ran thicker than water, and everyone had to consider the family’s interests.
Jiang Susu stood nearby, clad as usual in a pale white moon skirt with ruyi patterns, her hair styled in an exquisite feixian bun adorned with clustered pearl hairpins. A fine mutton-fat jade bracelet graced her wrist. Such colors had always suited her best. At first glance, she appeared pure and ethereal, like an immortal descended from the heavens. But upon closer inspection, one could see the thick layer of powder she had applied, likely to conceal the scars left from her ordeal in the thorns.
Yet, despite this, she still insisted on attending the palace banquet—a decision that spoke volumes.
Jiang Susu remained as refined and otherworldly as ever, while Jiang Li, true to form, had chosen a lotus-blue standing-collar silk gown with wide sleeves, paired with a light purple lily skirt. Though the outfit was undeniably luxurious, her complexion wasn’t as fair as Jiang Susu’s or Jiang Ruan’s, making the lavish attire seem ill-suited and somewhat out of place.Jiang Dan was dressed in a duck-yellow embroidered blouse, her hair styled into an elegant Yaotai bun. Standing beside Jiang Susu and Jiang Dan, she resembled a pitiable little creature. Though not outstanding, she had a uniquely delicate charm.
Observing the distinct beauty of each young lady, Old Madam Jiang’s gaze settled on Jiang Ruan, and she couldn’t help but frown. "Why are you dressed like this?" In the old madam’s eyes, how a concubine-born daughter dressed didn’t matter as long as it wasn’t improper. But a legitimate daughter was different—she represented the family’s face outside. Jiang Susu, for instance, looked ethereally graceful, yet the materials of her clothes and accessories were all of the finest quality. Entering the palace wasn’t like visiting other noble households; solemnity was paramount. Though Jiang Ruan’s features were exquisite, her attire was far too plain, lacking formality—even less dignified than Jiang Li’s opulent outfit. Where was the dazzling brilliance she usually displayed?
The old madam scrutinized Jiang Ruan from head to toe, growing increasingly displeased. Just as she was about to order Jiang Ruan to change, Jiang Xin Zhi interjected, "It’s getting late. Let’s not delay. Sisters, you should set off now."
Reluctantly, Old Madam Jiang dropped the matter, though she issued a few more stern reminders. Turning to Xia Yan, she said coldly, "Today, I entrust these girls to your care. Be thorough—don’t let anything go wrong again."
Xia Yan seethed inwardly. Being chastised in front of everyone was humiliating. Clenching her fists, she took a deep breath before forcing a gentle smile. "This daughter-in-law will heed Mother’s teachings."
Old Madam Jiang’s expression remained dissatisfied. She had never liked this daughter-in-law. Zhao Mei had been too fiery and simple-minded, lacking wits, but this one was far too cunning. Recently, with Jiang Susu and Jiang Chao constantly embroiled in incidents, her displeasure toward Xia Yan had only deepened. Two perfectly good children had been raised into their current state under Xia Yan’s care—the thought alone infuriated her.
Jiang Susu smiled. "Grandmother, Mother isn’t a child. She naturally understands these matters. Grandmother dotes on her so much, explaining every little detail—it makes this granddaughter jealous."
Normally, Old Madam Jiang would let such remarks slide, but this time, her expression remained icy. "As long as she knows!" she snapped before turning away without another word.
Xia Yan paled with suppressed anger. Jiang Xin Zhi chuckled, mounting his horse in one fluid motion. Jiang Susu’s expression stiffened briefly before she calmly said, "Mother, let’s go."
The women shared a carriage. Jiang Li naturally didn’t initiate conversation, and Jiang Dan looked timid. Usually, Jiang Susu and Xia Yan would feign warmth to ease the atmosphere, but today, perhaps still angered by Old Madam Jiang, Xia Yan couldn’t be bothered to engage. Jiang Susu also remained silent, and Jiang Ruan paid no mind to the tension, idly tracing the embroidery on her dress with one hand while resting her chin on the other.
When Xia Yan caught sight of the crescent-moon-shaped amber pendant half-hidden on Jiang Ruan’s person, her expression darkened. The thought of Jiang Xin Zhi basking in glory at court today, receiving the Emperor’s rewards, while Jiang Chao lay bedridden and traumatized, filled her with unbearable resentment.The journey was unusually silent and heavy, unlike any before. After what seemed like an eternity, the carriage finally came to a halt. Jiang Xin Zhi was led away by the palace eunuchs to report his mission, while the women in the carriage followed another group of palace maids to the hall designated for female guests. Naturally, the palace gates weren’t solely occupied by the Jiang family’s carriage—noble families’ carriages lined the path, and many ladies and young misses had just alighted, whispering and pointing at the Jiang carriage.
The recent events had stirred up quite a storm, and everyone knew that the eldest daughter of the Jiang family had returned after the New Year with an air of unyielding strength, while the second daughter, once revered as an ethereal beauty, had repeatedly stumbled. People’s curiosity was piqued, and with the Jiang carriage right before their eyes, countless probing gazes turned toward it.
The carriage curtain was lifted by a maid, and the first to step out was a young girl in a soft yellow dress, delicate and timid, her expression evoking sympathy. Next came a girl in lotus-blue attire, also quite beautiful but with a hint of sharpness, her clothing overly ornate.
After these two, a graceful middle-aged woman descended. Though elegant and lovely, she appeared somewhat weary, her beauty tinged with exhaustion.
Once the woman stepped down, she didn’t hurry away but stood by the carriage, waiting. When Jiang Susu emerged, the onlookers gasped in surprise. Despite her tarnished reputation, her delicate, otherworldly beauty remained undeniable—just standing there, she seemed fragile and in need of protection. Who could believe such a stunning fairy-like maiden could have a flawed character? Even those who had doubted her before wavered at the sight of her loveliness. Today, Jiang Susu had taken extra care with her appearance, concealing her scars flawlessly. Every detail of her attire and accessories was meticulously chosen, effortlessly drawing attention.
Just as the crowd admired the ethereal beauty, a flash of red caught their eyes from within the carriage. The next moment, the curtain was drawn aside, and a striking figure stepped out.
At first glance, only a bold peach-red hue was visible, seemingly garish compared to Jiang Susu’s refined elegance. But as the figure stood beside Jiang Susu, poised and graceful, the crowd couldn’t help but look at her face—and then collectively held their breath.
Her features were exquisitely alluring—slightly upturned eyes, dark brows, crimson lips, jet-black eyes, and snow-white skin. Every detail was enchanting. Yet, despite her striking beauty, her hair was styled in a simple, fresh single-coil bun, softening her allure and leaving only a charming vivacity.
Her peach-pink skirts fluttered in the breeze like a newly bloomed rose, fresh with morning dew—youthful, delicate, and naturally captivating. She wore no makeup, and her hair was adorned only with a single Rose Hairpin. No excessive jewelry adorned her hands, save for a bracelet emitting a faint blue glow. Though its material was unknown, it was clearly no ordinary piece.The crowd glanced at her, then back at Jiang Susu. In comparison, Jiang Susu's face seemed overly powdered, her hair ornaments too elaborate. The celestial maiden no longer appeared so fresh and pure, while this vibrant, alluring beauty possessed a completely different kind of charm.
Jiang Susu naturally sensed the shift in everyone's gazes. She bit her lower lip tightly, wishing she could tear Jiang Ruan to pieces. Ever since Jiang Ruan had returned to the Jiang household, her life had taken a turn for the worse. Jiang Ruan had stolen her position as the legitimate eldest daughter, usurped her brother's place as the heir to the Jiang family's legacy, and now she was even trying to steal her reputation as the most beautiful maiden in the capital!
A cold glint flashed in Xia Yan's eyes, yet she remained silent, smiling as she chatted with the palace maid leading the way. Jiang Li, who had long grown impatient, quickly followed suit.
Each noble household's womenfolk was assigned a separate palace maid to attend to them. Though Xia Yan conversed with the maid, her gaze involuntarily drifted toward Jiang Susu. Long before entering the palace, she had hired a highly respected governess from outside the Jiang residence to teach Jiang Susu court etiquette, all to ensure her daughter would stun everyone at first sight. Jiang Susu's reputation for talent was widespread, but this was her first time entering the imperial palace—a place brimming with opportunities. The slightest chance could lead to a vastly different future.
Proud of her scholarly heritage, Xia Yan placed great emphasis on propriety. Even as she spoke to the maid, she couldn't hide her self-satisfaction, oblivious to the disdain in the maid's eyes. That palace maid was no ordinary servant—having served in the palace for years, she had encountered nobles far more distinguished than Xia Yan. Though Xia Yan understood etiquette, Xia Cheng had originally been born a concubine's son, lacking the refined upbringing of a true legitimate heir. Xia Yan inevitably carried a trace of pettiness and restraint, and even Jiang Susu, whom she had meticulously groomed, bore some of that same stiffness. Though they tried their utmost to appear poised and effortless, to those with discerning eyes, their affectations were all too obvious.
(End of Chapter)
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