Noble Consort Chen smiled as she glanced at Jiang Ruan. "Such a well-behaved child. I wonder if I have the fortune to have her as my daughter-in-law."
Silence. Utter silence filled the hall.
Below, Jiang Susu's face turned deathly pale the moment Noble Consort Chen finished speaking, her lips losing all color. She swayed unsteadily, nearly collapsing backward had Xia Yan not subtly supported her from the side—otherwise, an incident would have been unavoidable.
The Zhao family members also stiffened. What did Noble Consort Chen mean by this?
"My beloved consort means..." the Emperor inquired.
"The Eighth Prince has now reached marriageable age. Though the eldest Jiang daughter is still young, we could arrange the engagement first. Once she comes of age, she shall enter the Eighth Prince's residence as his principal wife—his official consort."
If there had been silence before, now only the sound of collective gasps could be heard.
An official consort, no less.
Though Jiang Quan's status wasn't low, for Jiang Ruan to become the Eighth Prince's principal wife was still somewhat overreaching. A secondary consort would have been more appropriate. From Noble Consort Chen's earlier words, everyone had assumed she intended to take Jiang Ruan as a secondary consort. Who could have guessed she would directly propose her as the principal wife? Anyone with discernment knew the Eighth Prince might very well become the future crown prince—the next Emperor of the Da Jin Dynasty. Wouldn't that make Jiang Ruan the future Empress? This was an opportunity with immeasurable returns.
Jiang Quan's expression was complicated. He had always wanted to strengthen ties with Ye Li, and marrying off a daughter would best solidify that connection. Now Noble Consort Chen had voiced his secret wish—something he couldn't have hoped for more—but why did it have to be Jiang Ruan? Why not Jiang Susu?
Jiang Xin Zhi clenched his fists tightly. He never imagined his well-intentioned actions would lead to this situation. Though he didn't particularly favor Xiao Shao, he disliked Ye Li even more. Regardless of anything else, Ye Li was of the imperial family—and what did that mean? Numerous wives and concubines, with inner court intrigues more treacherous than the imperial court itself. How could he allow Jiang Ruan to enter such a place? Why was Noble Consort Chen dragging Jiang Ruan into this? Wouldn't Jiang Susu have been better? Jiang Quan would be pleased—a perfect solution for everyone. Why did it have to be Jiang Ruan? Xin Zhi resolved that if the Emperor agreed, he would sacrifice all his military honors to defy the decree and secure Jiang Ruan's freedom.
Xiao Shao had frowned the moment Noble Consort Chen made her request, his beautiful eyes glinting coldly like exquisite black gemstones, his expression far from pleased.
He lifted his gaze toward Jiang Ruan. She was slightly bowing her head, her expression unclear. Xiao Shao's heart stirred. No matter what, Jiang Ruan was still just a twelve-year-old girl. She harbored such hatred for Ye Li—though he didn't know why—she would certainly never willingly marry him. Noble Consort Chen enjoyed the Emperor's favor; if the Emperor consented, Jiang Ruan would have no choice but to obey the imperial decree.His handsome brows furrowed tightly. In truth, it wasn't that there were no solutions at all. If he stepped forward now and told the Emperor he wished to marry Jiang Ruan, he could prevent her from being wed to Ye Li. But Jiang Ruan might not necessarily want to marry him either. Xiao Shao, who had taken charge of the Brocade-clad Guards, had witnessed all sorts of sordid affairs within noble households. He understood what marriage meant for a woman. With his temperament, he had never planned to marry in this lifetime. Jiang Ruan was his savior, and even though this savior was only twelve years old now, if she were in danger, Xiao Shao would honor his vow and come to her aid without fail.
But would Jiang Ruan truly be willing to go from the Eighth Prince's residence to the Brocade Hero King Manor?
Shu Fei suddenly let out a soft laugh. "Sister, why are you playing matchmaker so carelessly? Never mind whether the Eighth Prince knows of this matter—just look at Miss Jiang before us. She is Lord Jiang's beloved daughter. Shouldn't you first ask whether Miss Jiang is willing to marry the Eighth Prince?"
Despite this pointed remark, Noble Consort Chen didn't even frown. Instead, she turned to Jiang Ruan with an increasingly gentle and amiable tone. "This consort forgot to ask. Miss Jiang, do you fancy my little eighth son?"
The question was posed with affectionate playfulness, like the teasing of an ordinary woman from a common household. Yet inwardly, Jiang Ruan sneered coldly. Noble Consort Chen had asked this question masterfully—what could she say? If she refused, it would be seen as looking down on Ye Li. Not only would she offend everyone present, but the Emperor would also be the first to punish her. But if she agreed, wouldn't she be leaping straight into a pit of fire?
The crowd held their breath, waiting for Jiang Ruan's answer. The women were indignant, while men like Gu Yi and Jiang Xin Zhi wished they could rush forward and whisk Jiang Ruan away from this predicament. Dong Yinger and Zhao Jin secretly broke into a cold sweat for Jiang Ruan—they knew she had never intended to marry into the imperial family. Zhao Guang's heart trembled violently. His newly acknowledged granddaughter was about to be dragged into the struggle for the throne. For the first time, Zhao Guang felt utterly powerless. He didn't dare gamble the entire General's Residence to help Jiang Ruan defy an imperial decree, even though his heart bled at the thought. Su Shi, seated among the women with her daughter-in-law, nearly tore her handkerchief apart in her hands, her eyes filled with anguish.
Jiang Ruan hesitated, as if deeply conflicted, and did not answer immediately. "This..."
She lowered her head further, silently counting in her heart.
Noble Consort Chen's smile deepened. "What a shy child. Your Majesty, this consort believes this is an excellent match. Would Your Majesty be willing to play matchmaker and find a suitable partner for my little eighth son?"
The Emperor looked pleased and showed no intention of intervening.
Xiao Shao's expression turned even colder. After a brief pause, he set down his teacup and prepared to rise, intending to ask the Emperor for Jiang Ruan's hand in marriage. But just as he was about to stand, a stern voice cut through the air. "This Dowager does not consent."
Jiang Ruan had just reached the count of three in her heart. Hearing this, she curled her lips into a faint smile and slowly raised her head, echoing the speaker's words with firm resolve. "In reply to Noble Consort, this subject is unwilling."
The first to refuse was none other than Empress Dowager Yide.Ye Li, who had seemed detached from the proceedings all along, stiffened slightly, the gentle smile at his lips freezing for an instant. While the others were puzzled, Jiang Xin Zhi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. When Empress Dowager Yide spoke, even the Emperor would not lightly contradict her. No matter how favored Noble Consort Chen was, the Emperor would never defy the Empress Dowager's wishes for her sake.
Noble Consort Chen had always enjoyed smooth sailing in the palace. Ordinarily, she had no conflicts of interest with Empress Dowager Yide, and with her gentle and amiable demeanor, she was well-liked by all. The Empress Dowager, aside from the Empress, did not associate closely with the other imperial consorts, so they had coexisted peacefully—until today. Unexpectedly, the most revered woman of the Da Jin Dynasty had openly and mercilessly dismissed her proposal in front of all the civil and military officials and their families. If it had only been the Empress Dowager, that would have been one thing, but Jiang Ruan had also refused. What was she playing at?
A faint smile lingering on her lips, Noble Consort Chen reassessed Jiang Ruan. Initially, she had observed that Jiang Ruan carried herself with grace, her demeanor unlike that of an unfavored daughter of a minister’s household. Combined with Ye Li’s evaluation, she had merely thought Jiang Ruan a clever young girl. But now, it seemed she was not only clever but also bold. Meeting Noble Consort Chen’s smiling gaze, Jiang Ruan returned it with a composed and humble smile of her own, as if laced with some unspoken emotion. Noble Consort Chen’s movements faltered slightly. In all her years, she had never encountered such a look before.
It was—a challenge!
And what’s more, that challenge brimmed with absolute confidence.
Empress Dowager Yide’s sudden interjection halted Xiao Shao just as he was about to rise. Mo Cong remarked in surprise, "Huh? The Empress Dowager never involves herself in trivial matters like this. How strange—could it be that the eldest daughter of the Jiang family is truly so charming that even Her Majesty holds her in special regard?"
Xiao Shao’s thoughts stirred, his dark eyes locking onto Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan never acted without certainty—she had anticipated the Empress Dowager’s rebuttal. But how had she known?
Though everyone present was bewildered, none dared voice their questions aloud. Jiang Ruan’s gaze cooled—she knew exactly why.
Noble Consort Chen had assumed her plan was foolproof, hence her brazen proposal before the assembled officials to have Jiang Ruan enter the Eighth Prince’s household. But today, Jiang Ruan’s attire, her demeanor—everything about her resembled Princess Yuan Rong. In any other matter, it might not have mattered, but this was a marriage proposal. How could Empress Dowager Yide not recall the past, when Princess Yuan Rong had been forced into a political marriage and sent to a foreign land?
Jiang Ruan had deliberately hesitated, appearing reluctant—was it not to remind the Empress Dowager of how Princess Yuan Rong had sacrificed her own happiness for the stability of the Da Jin Dynasty? Faced with the specter of another coerced union, how could the Empress Dowager remain unmoved?
Empress Dowager Yide would pity her—and in her heart, she would also resent Noble Consort Chen!
No matter how favored Noble Consort Chen was, having offended the most revered woman in the palace, how could she continue to thrive as before?
Life was precious, and Jiang Ruan spent every moment of hers scheming. Did Noble Consort Chen truly think she would submit meekly to such an arrangement?Noble Consort Chen did not speak, only fixing her beautiful eyes on the Emperor. Those watery orbs seemed veiled in the misty drizzle of Jiangnan, brimming with grievance and sorrow. A single glance was enough to stir pity in one's heart.
Sure enough, the Emperor asked, "Imperial Mother, what is the meaning of this?"
"This mourning one came today to bestow rewards upon the eldest daughter of the Jiang family. Noble Consort Chen's words, however, do not sound like a reward," Empress Dowager Yide said lightly, though a razor-sharp edge had already crept into her tone. "The eldest daughter of the Jiang family is Deputy General Jiang's treasured one. How could he bear to marry off his own sister so soon?"
Jiang Xin Zhi was taken aback, feeling a surge of gratitude toward Empress Dowager Yide. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and bowed deeply to the Empress Dowager. "Many thanks for Your Highness's consideration. This humble general truly has no wish to betroth my sister so early."
A wave of murmurs swept through the hall. No matter what Empress Dowager Yide said, her status as the Empress Dowager meant her words carried weight regardless of their content. But Jiang Xin Zhi had only just earned merit—how dare he so bluntly contradict the Emperor's most favored consort? Both siblings were so ungrateful, it was laughable.
Xia Yan was naturally delighted, wishing fervently that the Jiang siblings would thoroughly offend Noble Consort Chen, preferably to the point of provoking the Emperor's wrath and having them executed. Jiang Susu, however, regained a trace of color in her face. When she first heard that Noble Consort Chen had taken a liking to Jiang Ruan as a potential consort for the Eighth Prince, she had nearly fainted. She simply couldn't fathom why such a refined and distinguished man would want to marry Jiang Ruan—that venomous, cruel, and fox-like Femme Fatale. Now that the Empress Dowager had intervened, she slowly regained her composure.
As for Jiang Li, her eyes burned with envy. She resented Jiang Ruan's luck and hated herself for not having an elder brother who could achieve military glory. Jiang Dan, meanwhile, kept her head lowered, nervously picking at her fingernails.
Zhao Guang had just begun to relax when Jiang Xin Zhi's words sent his heart racing again.
Guan Lianghan frowned and muttered under his breath, "Sister-obsessed fool. So protective—one might mistake her for his own daughter."
Even the Emperor's eyes flickered with displeasure. It was true that Jiang Xin Zhi had merit, and he admired this brave and resolute young man, but that did not mean he would tolerate disrespect toward his consorts. If Jiang Xin Zhi had no regard for imperial authority, then no matter how extraordinary his talents, he had no place in the Great Jin court.
Amidst the many disapproving gazes, Jiang Ruan turned to Jiang Xin Zhi and smiled faintly. No matter what happened, in this life, she still had Jiang Xin Zhi by her side—someone who would stand with her without hesitation, who would protect her even if it meant defying the entire world.
Seeing Jiang Ruan still able to smile, Jiang Xin Zhi felt slightly comforted.
After hearing Empress Dowager Yide's words, Noble Consort Chen let out a soft laugh. "That is true. This consort had forgotten about that. But Deputy General Jiang, no matter how much you dote on Miss Jiang, one day, she will still marry, won't she?" She looked at Jiang Ruan with a smile, her gaze like the lingering drizzle of Jiangnan—cool and pervasive, seeping slowly into one's heart. "Miss Jiang, why are you unwilling?"
"This humble girl is of lowly status and feels unworthy of His Highness. I am ashamed and dare not aspire so high," Jiang Ruan replied, bowing her head with apparent sincerity.Ye Li's gaze flickered. Jiang Ruan's excuse was clearly fabricated on the spot—how could someone like her ever feel inferior? He was also puzzled. Why did this young girl always harbor a faint hostility toward him? Ye Li prided himself on presenting a gentle, approachable demeanor that endeared him to everyone. Countless women admired his jade-like refinement. Even if Jiang Ruan was still too young to understand matters of the heart, where did this animosity come from? He had never behaved improperly in front of her. Could it be because of Jiang Susu?
At this thought, he slowly relaxed. If it was merely Jiang Susu's influence, winning Jiang Ruan's trust and closeness wouldn't be too difficult.
Chen Guifei sighed softly. "Child, why speak of being unworthy? If not for Xiao Ba personally pleading with me, why would I suddenly bring this up?"
The crowd was stunned once more—it was actually the Eighth Prince who had initiated this!
Ye Li composed himself, the warm smile fading from his face as he rose and stepped into the center of the hall. His handsome features exuded the noble, refined bearing unique to royalty. With solemn gravity, he knelt slowly before the Emperor seated high above. "Reporting to Father Emperor, this is indeed your son's wish." He glanced at Jiang Ruan, his expression softening like the gentle breeze of early spring. "Your son was captivated by Miss Jiang's talent and beauty upon seeing her at the Exquisite Boat. Since returning to the palace, I have been lost in longing. Fearing Miss Jiang might find my actions presumptuous, I sought Mother's assistance to fulfill this wish." Ye Li continued, "Your son wishes to take Miss Jiang as my wife, to cherish her for a lifetime, and share a harmonious union with her."
Turning to Jiang Ruan, he spoke slowly, word by word. "Miss Jiang, would you be willing to become Ye Li's wife?"
Such a handsome young man declaring his love before the entire court, his devotion unwavering—moreover, it was the Eighth Prince, known for his impeccable conduct. The maidens present were torn between admiration and envy. They adored this peerlessly elegant man who pledged his heart to one, yet resented that they weren't the legitimate eldest daughter of the Jiang family to receive such heavenly fortune.
Jiang Susu swayed unsteadily as the Eighth Prince finished speaking. Her initial secret delight had now been replaced by bone-deep hatred. Never before had she felt such overwhelming jealousy toward Jiang Ruan—a maddening envy! How dare Jiang Ruan steal her status as the legitimate eldest daughter and now her beloved? How dare she!
Jiang Ruan regarded Ye Li coolly. Since her rebirth, she had avoided him like a swallowed fly whenever possible. This was the first time she had been so close to him. His eyes held not a trace of genuine affection, yet his words were so sweet and sincere. For a moment, it felt as if time had reversed—back to her past life, when the peach blossoms of Ningshui Valley bloomed in tender pink hues. She had stood there, timid and unsure, while Ye Li gazed at her beneath the peach trees with a gentle, considerate smile. He had said, "Ruan'er, I truly like you."
"I truly like you"—how beautifully phrased. He spoke of liking, but never of marriage. He claimed he couldn't give her status, and she had believed him, sympathizing with his difficulties. In her past life, how she had longed to hear Ye Li say, "Would you be my wife?"
To become his wife, to prove herself worthy of his affection, she had endured humiliation, abuse, and mockery in that treacherous palace, crushed mercilessly into the dust—all for Jiang Susu's sake.How could he turn a blind eye? When he had used her up and declared her the Nation-destroying enchantress, watching her stumble and fall in the grand hall, did he recall that day in the valley of Ning Shui, beneath the peach blossoms, when he had said, "Ruan'er, I truly adore you."
In this lifetime, she finally heard the words, "Would you be willing to become my wife?" But so what? She no longer cared.
Ye Li looked at Jiang Ruan, confident that she, who had grown up without her father's affection, lost her mother early, and lived in the countryside for five years, would be easily moved by the slightest kindness. Winning her heart should have been effortless.
Yet as he locked eyes with her, his smile gradually froze.
What kind of eyes were those? Beautiful as a clear mountain spring, yet desolate like black poppies blooming in barren land. The emotions swirling within them were both fierce and calm—neither admiration nor joy. It wasn't love. It was hatred.
Ye Li was stunned. He wasn't mistaken. It was hatred, the kind that seeped into the bones, as if she longed to devour his flesh and drink his blood. Mixed within that hatred was disgust, as if he were something rotten.
His expression stiffened. Why?
Under the weight of such intense, complex emotions, Ye Li's mind went blank, unsure how to respond. For the first time, he felt a faint trace of fear beneath Jiang Ruan's gaze.
Why?
Desperate to understand, he watched as the young girl before him suddenly smirked, her voice dripping with icy mockery: "I. Refuse."
Jiang Ruan lifted her chin proudly, her tone polite yet her demeanor that of a haughty princess. "I am honored by Your Highness's favor, but my aspirations lie elsewhere. Your words unsettle me, and I dare not presume so high." With that, she bowed deeply to the Emperor. "I beg Your Majesty's understanding."
No matter how passionately Ye Li had spoken, her heart remained as unyielding as iron.
Noble Consort Chen's smile deepened, her eyes flickering with unreadable emotions, showing no trace of anger.
Though the Emperor was irked by Jiang Ruan's audacious rejection, he couldn't force her to accept Ye Li in front of the court. He waved a hand impatiently. "Since that's the case, it seems you and the Eighth Prince are not fated."
Ye Li's expression darkened. He hadn't anticipated his well-laid plans being thwarted by Jiang Ruan's cold refusal. Studying her, he couldn't fathom why she rejected him without hesitation, her resolve unshaken, or why she regarded him with such venom. If it was merely because of Jiang Susu, why such profound hatred?
Jiang Ruan noted Ye Li's confusion and laughed inwardly. In this life, he was using the same tactics as before, trying to win her over for his schemes. Did he truly believe the world owed him gratitude just because he deigned to deceive?
Mo Cong shook his head, sighing theatrically. "The Eighth Prince is truly devoted. Pity he's set his sights on the Jiang family's little... viper. Bound to be ignored, alas."Xiao Shao watched Jiang Ruan from a distance. As a martial artist, his vision was naturally sharp, and he had clearly seen the look she gave Ye Li moments ago—there wasn't the slightest trace of affection in it, only a hatred that stirred some confusion in his heart. Why did she hate Ye Li so much? For a fleeting moment, it almost seemed as though she might vanish, as if she didn't truly belong to this world.
Suppressing his thoughts, Xiao Shao suddenly frowned. Years of instinct made him acutely aware that something in the air felt amiss. His fingers lightly brushed the hilt of the long sword at his waist—court officials were forbidden from carrying weapons at banquets, but he was an exception. The Emperor had granted him special permission.
Ye Li exchanged a bow with Jiang Ruan, then retreated to his seat with a regretful expression. His despondent demeanor tugged at the heartstrings of the noblewomen in the palace. While they were relieved Jiang Ruan hadn't accepted Ye Li, they secretly resented her for being so ungrateful as to wound such a celestial figure.
Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi exchanged a faint smile. After this incident, the Emperor's mood had been considerably dampened. With a wave of his hand, he declared, "Let the banquet commence."
Servants carrying dishes filed in one after another, each holding a tray. The leading maid was slender and graceful with delicate features, her attire distinct from the other palace maids. Behind her followed two other maids dressed differently, carrying trays as they approached the Emperor. One remained in place while the other two began pouring wine for the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager.
The Empress's attendant took out silver chopsticks to test the wine. Just as the leading maid lifted the wine pot to pour, she suddenly drew a dagger from beneath the white cloth and thrust it viciously toward the Emperor's chest.
With a sharp "clang," a sudden gust of wind carrying an object struck the maid's dagger, barely deflecting it from its fatal path. It turned out to be a golden button.
From the high seat, almost simultaneously, Xiao Shao leaped up and rushed toward the Emperor. Guan Lianghan's expression stiffened as he slammed the table and stood abruptly. The women present, who had never witnessed such a scene, shrieked in terror. The pink-clad maids shuddered in unison, and several suddenly sprang forward, swiftly drawing soft swords hidden at their waists as they lunged straight for the Emperor's face.
"Die, you tyrant!" the women shouted.
They had actually infiltrated the serving maids!
There were no fewer than several hundred maids serving the banquet today, and with this chaos, the hall descended into pandemonium. The Emperor was utterly shaken as the guards desperately cried, "Protect His Majesty! Protect His Majesty!"
(End of Chapter)
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