The Emperor was surrounded by impenetrable protection, yet the assassins weren't solely focused on taking his life. They began slaughtering indiscriminately in the hall, killing anyone they encountered. The women's seating area was filled with unarmed ladies and young misses, making them prime targets for the assassins. In an instant, the sickening sounds of flesh being cleaved, screams, and wails filled the air. Even just hearing these sounds painted a horrifying picture of the carnage.
Jiang Susu had already hidden under a table in terror, watching as a delicate young lady was cut in half right before her eyes. Her face turned ashen with fear, yet she remained more composed than Jiang Li, who could only scream in panic. Xia Yan was equally terrified, clutching Jiang Susu in her arms as they hid beneath the table, concealed by corpses, making them temporarily invisible at a glance.
Jiang Dan was also frightened out of her wits, but unlike Jiang Li, she neither hid nor screamed. Amid the chaos, she displayed an unexpected calmness. After a moment's thought, she seemed to make up her mind, lifting her skirts and running toward the men's seating area.
No one had anticipated such a sudden attack. The Emperor was swiftly evacuated, and it was assumed the assassins would retreat. Yet, they continued their frenzied killing spree without restraint. The chaos in the hall only made the situation worse. Amid the turmoil, Jiang Xin Zhi lost sight of Jiang Ruan. However, as a deputy general, he couldn't abandon the hall full of women and children. He fought desperately against the assassins while searching for Jiang Ruan.
The men of the Zhao family also joined the fray. Surprisingly, the assassins seemed meticulously trained—instead of engaging with armed opponents, they deliberately targeted the defenseless women and children. The guards and generals had to be cautious not to harm the officials' families, which forced them to hold back, giving the assassins more opportunities to wreak havoc.
Zhao Jin and Wen Feifei, coming from military families, remained remarkably composed in the face of such horror. Zhao Jin said, "Feifei, take the sisters and get out first. I'll go find Ruan Meimei and Yinger."
Wen Feifei hesitated. "Can you manage alone?"
"I'll be careful," Zhao Jin reassured her. After ensuring the safety of the other young ladies, she picked up a fallen assassin's soft sword from the ground. Just then, she spotted Dong Yinger being cornered by an assassin, his soft sword poised to strike her chest. Panicked, Zhao Jin hurled the sword at the assassin's back with all her might. The assassin couldn't dodge in time and was struck down, his weapon slipping from his grasp. Dong Yinger, already in tears, looked at Zhao Jin as if she were her savior. "Jin'er!"
Zhao Jin rushed over to help her up. "Are you alright?"
Dong Yinger's eyes widened in terror as she stared behind Zhao Jin. Sensing danger, Zhao Jin turned to see a vicious face snarling, "Die!" A flash of silver followed, and Zhao Jin shut her eyes in despair.
But instead of pain, she felt herself being lifted. The sound of something heavy hitting the ground made her open her eyes in shock. A young man stood before her, holding both her and Dong Yinger effortlessly. His swordplay was exquisite—even Zhao Jin, raised in a military family and accustomed to watching her brothers and father practice, had never seen such skill. His features lacked the ruggedness of military men, instead carrying a scholar's refined handsomeness, yet tempered with an air of determination and courage.Dong Yinger was also stunned, her cheeks suddenly flushing with a rosy hue.
Jiang Xin Zhi rescued the two of them and casually placed them in a corner. "Stay here and don’t move," he said before turning away without another word, joining the fray.
Dong Yinger asked softly, "Who is he?"
Zhao Jin shook her head. "I don’t know." Watching the tall figure disappear into the hall, she inexplicably felt a pang of worry for this stranger.
Meanwhile, Jiang Ruan had taken excellent cover during the chaos. The Emperor had been evacuated, but the Empress remained, surrounded by numerous guards, so there was no need for concern. Jiang Ruan turned her head and saw several assassins cornering Empress Dowager Yide. For some reason, they seemed intent on targeting her.
Ye Li had just settled Noble Consort Chen when he noticed the scene and froze. He was about to rush over when—
Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow and, without hesitation, cried out, "Your Majesty!" as the central assassin thrust his sword toward the Empress Dowager’s chest. Her actions outpaced her voice—she lunged forward, pushing the Empress Dowager aside and throwing herself in front of the blade.
She turned her head and flashed a cold smile at Ye Li, whose eyes widened in shock.
See? The real show has only just begun.
Jiang Ruan met the sword’s tip head-on. Her movement was so resolute that even Ye Li stood frozen. The assassin hadn’t expected a stranger to intervene. Narrowing his eyes, he showed no mercy, his soft sword driving straight toward Jiang Ruan’s chest. At the critical moment, a dagger flew from the side, deflecting the blade just enough to miss her heart—though the sword’s edge still slashed from her shoulder down to her chest, staining her robes crimson.
The force of the strike sent Jiang Ruan stumbling backward, only to feel herself lifted into a broad, icy embrace. A man’s breath brushed her ear, carrying the faint scent of bamboo and wind. Xiao Shao shielded her in his arms, swiftly disarming an assassin and wielding the soft sword as a barrier. To the astonished Empress Dowager, he said, "This place is unsafe. Your Majesty, please retreat."
Jin Yi and Jin Er suddenly appeared before Xiao Shao. He handed Jiang Ruan to Jin Yi, and the two shadow guards escorted her and the Empress Dowager away.
Everything that had just unfolded was witnessed by Ye Li. He had intended to save the Empress Dowager, but Jiang Ruan’s sudden intervention had stunned him. Seeing her injured and then rescued by Xiao Shao left him unsettled, as if a voice inside insisted— No, this isn’t right. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.
The night’s events had been too abrupt, leaving Ye Li unable to pinpoint the strange feeling in his chest. And what had that smile Jiang Ruan gave him meant? It was profound, unsettling, yet impossible to decipher.
Ye Li wasn’t the only one who saw it all. In the hall, Princess Heyi had also been watching. Amid the chaos, her guards had protected her, keeping the assassins at bay. She had been searching for someone in the crowd when she looked up and saw Xiao Shao cradling Jiang Ruan in his arms. Instantly, her beautiful face twisted with fury.Who was Xiao Shao? A man of extreme aloofness, who rarely associated with others in daily life, let alone unfamiliar women. No matter how one looked at it, Jiang Ruan was merely an official's daughter. Among the many injured women present, why did Xiao Shao single her out to rescue? Moreover, He Yi had clearly seen the tension in Xiao Shao's eyes—he was genuinely worried about Jiang Ruan.
He Yi's small face turned deathly pale as she bit her lower lip hard. She had fallen for Xiao Shao the first time she saw him when he was still a teenager. Yet no matter how she expressed her feelings, he remained as indifferent as an iceberg. Today, Jiang Ruan's stunning beauty and the favor she had won from Empress Dowager Yide had already displeased He Yi. Now, seeing Xiao Shao protect Jiang Ruan so fiercely, jealousy drove her to madness, wishing Jiang Ruan would perish under the assassins' blades immediately.
The guards stationed outside the palace rushed in, and the assassins were swiftly subdued. Only after all were captured did Xiao Shao sheath his dagger and coldly command, "Keep them alive. Find out who sent them."
The hall was in chaos—shattered dishes, the groans of the wounded, and the mournful cries of those who had lost loved ones. No one had expected such a sudden calamity, turning what was meant to be a grand palace banquet into a slaughterhouse. Palace attendants hurried to clear the bodies, while nearby imperial physicians rushed to tend to the injured.
Guan Lianghan finally relaxed and patted Jiang Xin Zhi's shoulder. "Young man, you handled yourself well today—calm under pressure. Reminds me of my younger days."
But Jiang Xin Zhi's mind was elsewhere. Frowning as he scanned the hall and failing to spot Jiang Ruan, his anxiety grew unbearable. After a moment's thought, he approached Xiao Shao and asked, "Prince Xiao, have you seen my younger sister?"
...
Meanwhile, Jiang Ruan was escorted by shadow guards back to Empress Dowager Yide's Cining Palace. Though her knife wound wasn't deep, it was long, and the blood loss had drained all color from her already pale face, leaving her lips nearly translucent. Seeing her condition, the Empress Dowager urgently summoned the palace's finest physicians while ordering maids to place Jiang Ruan on her own bed.
Jiang Ruan, still barely conscious, struggled to open her eyes and rise, murmuring weakly, "Your Majesty, this humble subject is unworthy—"
"Enough of that," the Empress Dowager cut in sharply. "You saved my life. What harm is there in letting you rest here?"
Jiang Ruan tried to speak again, but her pallor worsened. Her voice failed her, and she turned her head slightly, too exhausted to utter another word.
Empress Dowager Yide's expression darkened further. "Why hasn't the physician arrived yet?" she roared. "If he doesn't come soon, I'll have his head!"
The Empress Dowager's chief maid watched in astonishment. Her mistress had grown stern and composed over the years, yet today, this unfamiliar girl had repeatedly stirred unusual emotions in her.
Soon, the palace's most esteemed physician arrived, puzzled by the Empress Dowager's urgent summons. His confusion only deepened upon seeing the unknown girl lying on Her Majesty's bed. The girl was a complete stranger—not Princess He Yi—so why was the Empress Dowager so concerned? Could she have some special connection to Her Majesty?Though puzzled, the imperial physician didn't elaborate. After taking Jiang Ruan's pulse, he stood up and said, "This young lady has merely lost too much blood. Though she suffered a knife wound, fortunately it's not deep. Had it been deeper or slightly more off target, it might have been dangerous."
Empress Dowager Yide breathed a sigh of relief. The physician continued, "I'll prescribe two formulas. Have the medicine prepared and fed to her, then dress the wound properly, and she'll be fine. These next few days, she must avoid certain foods that could hinder recovery."
"Will there be scarring?" Empress Dowager Yide frowned. The knife wound ran from shoulder to chest—an unmarried girl bearing such a scar would inevitably face difficulties in future marriage prospects. Jiang Ruan's skin was as fair as snow; to mar it with a scar seemed a pity even to the Empress Dowager's eyes. Moreover, her mannerisms today had mirrored those of Princess Yuan Rong, lending genuine concern to the question.
The physician wiped sweat from his brow. "Your Majesty, with proper care, there may be no scar."
This implied scarring was still possible. The Empress Dowager's gaze darkened, her tone suddenly sharp. "Understood. Go prepare the medicine."
The physician then shouldered his medicine chest and exited with the palace maids.
Empress Dowager Yide turned to Jiang Ruan. Lying on the bed, her beautiful eyes slightly closed, lips as pale as her complexion, she seemed to be enduring pain without complaint—no frown creased her brow, only a faint smile directed at the Empress Dowager, as if offering reassurance. Stripped of her outer garments, she appeared more youthful and delicate than the composed, alluring figure in the grand hall earlier, exuding an air of pitiable vulnerability. That understanding smile at her lips was heartbreakingly mature. Suddenly, the Empress Dowager was reminded of Princess Yuan Rong, who too had never frowned during illness, only smiling to spare her worry.
Softened, the Empress Dowager's voice gentled. "Why did you take that knife for me?"
Jiang Ruan smiled shyly and whispered, "I don't know why—forgive my presumption—but upon seeing Your Majesty, I felt an inexplicable closeness, as if... as if we'd met before. In that moment, I didn't think; I just acted."
She offered no grandiose declarations of loyalty, yet her words—"as if we'd met before"—stirred the Empress Dowager's expression once more. The growing suspicion in her heart intensified. Slowly, she said, "You've rendered meritorious service by saving me. I won't let this wound go unrewarded."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Might Your Majesty send word to my elder brother? He must be frantic, not knowing where I am."
"No need for haste. I've already dispatched someone." Empress Dowager Yide's brow furrowed slightly. Jiang Ruan had asked only to notify Jiang Xin Zhi, making no mention of Jiang Quan or Xia Yan. Ordinarily, shouldn't a young girl seek her father in such situations? Yet she'd focused solely on Jiang Xin Zhi, not even mentioning Jiang Quan. It was known that the two legitimate siblings of the Jiang household were exceptionally close, but this suggested deeper undercurrents. Earlier in the hall too, when Jiang Ruan's marriage prospects were discussed, Jiang Quan had shown little reaction—hardly befitting a father.
The Empress Dowager's jeweled nail lightly scraped the bedside, the ruby gleaming like congealed blood.Jiang Ruan closed her eyes, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips. Some things didn’t need to be spelled out too clearly—especially for clever people. A single hint was enough; the rest could be left for Jiang Quan to handle on his own.
She had long known there would be an assassination attempt today. In her past life, the Emperor had also held a grand palace banquet after the flood. Midway through the feast, assassins had infiltrated, and it was Ye Li who had saved Empress Dowager Yide’s life. Ye Li had taken the sword strike himself, suffering severe injuries. At the time, the assassins’ origins remained unclear, and all the Emperor’s sons fell under suspicion. The palace underwent a thorough purge overnight, and even the Crown Prince, who had been absent due to illness, was implicated. Only the Eighth Prince, Ye Li, emerged completely unscathed—after all, if it were an act, sustaining such grave injuries would have been excessive.
Because of this, Ye Li had gained Empress Dowager Yide’s favor and the Emperor’s trust, earning himself a reputation for loyalty and filial piety. In her past life, after entering the palace, Jiang Ruan had overheard palace maids gossiping about the incident and had even felt a pang of sympathy for Ye Li in that perilous moment. Now, looking back, the whole affair was riddled with inconsistencies. As for taking a sword for Empress Dowager Yide—that was nothing more than a farce. If Ye Li had truly been the righteous and honorable man the rumors claimed, he would never have personally killed his own father. People believed Ye Li wouldn’t have inflicted such severe harm on himself, but in truth, Jiang Ruan knew better than anyone that Ye Li was a man who bided his time and was utterly ruthless, especially toward himself.
In this life, she would shatter his plans. Empress Dowager Yide must be saved, but her savior didn’t have to be Ye Li! Jiang Ruan had just gambled everything. Originally, she had planned to deliberately mimic Princess Yuan Rong’s mannerisms and find a way to save Empress Dowager Yide. With the merit of saving the Dowager, the palace would surely reward her—though she didn’t know what exactly—but it would be enough to make the Eighth Prince and the Xia family hesitate before acting rashly.
But upon entering the palace, she had unexpectedly learned of Ye Li’s intention to marry her—something she hadn’t anticipated and that hadn’t happened in her past life. Now that she had saved the Dowager, the Dowager’s affection for her would undoubtedly deepen. At this point, even if Noble Consort Chen later tried to pressure the Dowager into relenting, an imperial marriage decree would be impossible. As long as Jiang Ruan showed the slightest reluctance, Empress Dowager Yide would never agree to the marriage. Because, by now, the Dowager must already see her as half a Princess Yuan Rong.
Moreover, with her merit in saving the Dowager, Noble Consort Chen could no longer claim this was some undeserved blessing for Jiang Ruan.
Yet this wasn’t a risk-free victory. Reflecting on the earlier danger, she still felt a lingering fear. Though she had burned her bridges, she hadn’t expected the assassin’s sword to be so ferocious—no wonder Ye Li had been severely injured in her past life. If not for Xiao Shao deflecting the assassin’s soft sword with his weapon, she wouldn’t be standing here so unscathed now. She wasn’t afraid of death, but she couldn’t die—not until her vengeance was complete.
She owed him another favor.
Jiang Ruan slowly closed her eyes. All in all, today’s outcome was far better than she had anticipated.
...
When Jiang Xin Zhi and the Zhao family received news that Jiang Ruan had been taken to Cining Palace for treatment, they were stunned. Empress Dowager Yide, who usually carried herself with aloof dignity, had only just met Jiang Ruan today. Yet she had shown her exceptional favor at every turn, and now she had even personally arranged for Jiang Ruan to stay in Cining Palace. This made it clear that, in the Dowager’s eyes, Jiang Ruan was no ordinary daughter of a minister.Jiang Quan and Xia Yan were both waiting outside. Jiang Susu was eagerly anticipating news of Jiang Ruan's death, but instead, she heard that Empress Dowager Yide had summoned imperial physicians to treat Jiang Ruan. This special favor was obvious at a glance, making her clench her fists tightly, a flash of resentment flickering in her eyes.
Jiang Quan's expression was complicated. Today, Jiang Ruan had meritoriously saved the Empress Dowager, and this credit would ultimately be attributed to the Jiang household. Yet, it was precisely Jiang Ruan—who had recently shone brilliantly time and again, overshadowing Jiang Susu's radiance. He had never regarded Jiang Ruan as his own flesh and blood. The more she excelled, the more she obstructed Jiang Susu's path, the more dissatisfied he became. Now, with this incident, Jiang Ruan would inevitably rise above Jiang Susu. He had always wanted to pave the way for Jiang Susu, and Jiang Ruan's actions were truly—unbearable!
Thinking this, Jiang Quan's face showed no trace of concern, only calmness tinged with disgust. He merely said to the eunuch delivering the message, "This humble official thanks Her Majesty the Empress Dowager for her kindness. However, my daughter is reckless and unworthy of such grace. I humbly request Your Excellency to relay to Her Majesty that I wish to take my daughter back to the residence."
Hearing Jiang Quan's words, Xia Yan's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. The eunuch was initially surprised. After all, if it were any ordinary father, he would at least inquire about his daughter's injuries. Yet this man immediately demanded to take her home. The eunuch, a shrewd veteran of palace politics, saw through the situation at once—there was only disgust in Jiang Quan's eyes, no warmth. Recalling Empress Dowager Yide's special regard for the eldest Jiang miss, the eunuch flicked his horsetail whisk and said, "This humble servant dares not relay such words. The eldest Jiang miss is being treated by imperial physicians in the palace—the Jiang residence likely lacks such skilled doctors. Moreover, this is Her Majesty's Imperial Decree. This servant is merely a messenger. If Lord Jiang has anything to say, he may address Her Majesty directly."
Such an audacious attitude, whether intentional or not, was clearly a snub. Yet palace servants were not to be offended. Jiang Quan, who had always been respected in the palace, was now mocked so openly that his face flushed crimson, unable to utter a word. The eunuch cast a disdainful glance at Xia Yan, sneering inwardly. These two from the Jiang family—how could they have produced a daughter as sharp-witted as Jiang Ruan?
Jiang Xin Zhi couldn't see Jiang Ruan's injuries firsthand. Though he knew imperial physicians were treating her, he remained uneasy. He didn't understand why Jiang Ruan had stepped in to shield Empress Dowager Yide and somewhat blamed her for it. Though it was treasonous to think so, even if the Emperor's life had been at stake, he wouldn't have wanted Jiang Ruan to take such a risk.
The eunuch turned to leave after delivering his message but collided with Xiao Shao at the door. He hastily bowed in greeting. Xiao Shao waved him off, took out a small blue porcelain bottle from his sleeve, and tossed it to him, saying curtly, "Heavenly Fragrance Dew."
Heavenly Fragrance Dew was a rare treasure even for palace consorts. This small bottle was worth a fortune and highly suitable for treating external wounds. Though Xiao Shao didn't specify whom it was for, the eunuch understood it was meant for Jiang Ruan, lying in Cining Palace. Though puzzled about Xiao Shao's relationship with Jiang Ruan, he still smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Rest assured, Your Highness. This servant will deliver it without fail."
Xiao Shao gave him a cold glance before turning and leaving the hall.
...
That night in Cining Palace, Jiang Ruan slept surprisingly well.When she woke up, two beautiful palace maids hurriedly dressed her. Jiang Ruan moved slightly and realized the wound on her chest no longer hurt. One of the maids smiled and said, "You're awake, miss. The wound wasn't deep, and with proper dressing, it's nothing serious." Then she added in a hushed tone, "Prince Xiao sent over some Heavenly Fragrance Dew. Applied to the wound, it heals quickly—today, a light scar has already formed." Her voice carried a hint of envy.
Jiang Ruan was momentarily taken aback by the sight. Xiao Shao had sent Heavenly Fragrance Dew? She pressed her fingers to her temples—this debt of gratitude was growing larger by the day.
Since her rebirth, whenever she used others, she always made sure to offer them equivalent compensation in return. For instance, supporting Liu Min was also for future utility, and enlisting Gu Yi's help had played upon his vanity. Yet Xiao Shao had repeatedly come to her aid. Even if it were to repay a kindness, what he had given by now had surely long since cleared that debt. With Xiao Shao offering his help so unreservedly, she didn’t know how she could ever repay him in the future.
After some thought, she simply set the matter aside for now. She turned to the maid and asked, "Who was injured last night?"
The maid listed a long string of names, and Jiang Ruan breathed a quiet sigh of relief—none of them were people she knew. If there was anyone of note, it was Jiang Dan, who in her panic had stumbled into the arms of the young and promising Left Vice Minister. In the chaos, Jiang Dan’s dress had been torn, and the sight of her delicate, tearful state had softened the minister’s heart. He had promised to take responsibility for her after the incident.
The palace maid added, "It seems the fourth young miss of your household will soon have a happy occasion to celebrate."
Jiang Ruan arched an eyebrow. This timid and seemingly cowardly younger sister had truly surprised her. Amidst last night’s turmoil, she had somehow managed to scheme her way into this. It had been a gamble that could have cost her life—yet she had dared to take it. And in the end, Jiang Dan’s luck had held. She had won her bet, hadn’t she?
(End of Chapter)
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