Among the twelve pleasure quarters in the capital, the most beautiful was Baihua Tower.

Baihua Tower was built magnificently in Ruyi Alley, the most prosperous area of West Street. Every woman in Baihua Tower had her special talents, captivating the men of the capital to the point of forgetting to return home. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they earned thousands of gold daily.

The Peony Girl in Baihua Tower was the establishment’s golden signboard. This woman was charming in her romantic appeal, proud in her bones. Having three parts Hu Ji bloodline, her features were deep and devastatingly beautiful. She acted boldly and audaciously, yet favored talented scholars. These contradictions only deepened her allure. Many threw away fortunes hoping to win the beauty’s heart, but unfortunately Peony Girl sold her art, not her body. Tonight, however, was the first time in three years since entering Baihua Tower that she was selling her virginity.

Baihua Tower was now packed to capacity. The pearl-curtained hall was filled with young masters from noble families, all wanting to become Peony Girl’s first patron.

Sitting in the center was a young man in green robes, no more than twenty years old. His features were handsome enough, but the dark circles under his eyes were nauseating to look at—clearly the result of excessive indulgence. He waved a folding fan with one hand, rather rakishly saying: “Why hasn’t Peony Girl appeared yet? Making everyone wait so long.”

Beside him stood a young woman in her prime, wearing a thin pink gauze dress. Her jade arms lifted a small cup of wine from the table, gently feeding it to the green-robed young man’s lips: “Sister Peony is dressing up. These words from Young Master Li would break this servant’s heart—do you only recognize Sister Peony alone?”

This green-robed young man was the eldest son of Prime Minister Li Dong’s residence in the capital. Li Dong had two sons in total. The eldest, Li Yang, was unlearned and spent his days among flowers and willows, having learned seven parts of Li Dong’s lustful nature. The younger son, Li An, was clever and talented, achieving great things in his official career despite his young age.

Tonight it was Li Yang who came to Baihua Tower, wanting Peony’s virginity.

Not far from Li Dong’s seat, another person’s gaze was hazy with drink. His bright blue jacket was now stained with wine. A burly servant followed beside him, while another charming courtesan poured wine for him. This was Jiang Chao, who had come here after drinking.

Jiang Chao’s gaze was sinister as he pulled the wine-pouring woman into his arms: “I heard your building’s Peony most loves talented scholars?”

The woman was suddenly pulled into his embrace and was about to put on a coquettish, shy act when Jiang Chao asked this question. Women in brothels naturally knew how to read expressions. Though she didn’t understand why, seeing Jiang Chao’s fine clothing, he must be from a wealthy family. She dared not neglect him and softened her voice: “Not entirely, it’s just that most men Sister Peony chooses are learned. Looking at young master’s appearance, you’re truly a scholar—surely talented and well-read.”

Her words would have been fine left unsaid, but saying them changed Jiang Chao’s expression. Liu Min’s leisurely posture on his tall horse appeared before his eyes again. He immediately pushed the woman away and coldly drank his wine. The woman didn’t understand why Jiang Chao was angry, cursed her bad luck silently, and left with a smile.

Just then, a clear voice rang from upstairs: “Peony Girl arrives.”

Immediately, the surroundings erupted. Li Yang, who had been fanning himself, stopped his motion and squinted up at the upper floor.

A veiled woman appeared upstairs, wearing a black and yellow hibiscus-patterned cross-collar small Shu gauze phoenix robe, a trailing ground brocade printed flower diagonal skirt, draped in azure silk flower plain silk. Her cloud-piled black hair was styled in a fashionable double-ring gazing immortal chignon, with twisted rose copper hair ornaments tucked into her slowly arranged cloud temples. Her hands, smooth as cream, wore an agate bracelet, her waist tied with a lingering silk cord from which hung a folded flower sachet, and her feet wore parallel lotus embroidered shoes. Her entire person was radiant as spring blossoms, making peaches ashamed and plums yield.

Because she was veiled, the crowd couldn’t see her face clearly, but seeing that graceful figure, they already felt their hearts itch unbearably, wishing they could rush forward and tear off that veil.

The woman was quite bold, standing on the small platform on the second floor, leaning against the pavilion railing. Suddenly she laughed softly—that voice like silver bells, crisp and pleasant, yet carrying a touch of wildness. She extended a pair of jade-like tender hands and gently removed her veil. Immediately, she revealed that face that could make the moon hide and flowers feel ashamed.

Honestly, though Peony’s appearance was beautiful, it wasn’t quite heavenly beauty. Compared to the Jiang family’s Jiang Susu or Jiang Ruan, she certainly couldn’t match them. But she excelled in that exotic charm. Her skin was slightly darker, but it didn’t make her look coarse. Those sapphire-blue eyes were like blue gems—with just one glance, the hearts of most men present were stolen away. Li Yang murmured: “Such a natural beauty—if obtained, one would surely forget to return. Peony, I must have you!”

Though Jiang Chao usually wasn’t as lustful as Li Yang, deep down he was still a man, and he had been drinking. Now with alcohol rising, and Peony being such a natural beauty, a fire ignited in his heart.

Peony was also an expert. These capital men all wanted to toy with her, but in the end, who knew who was toying with whom. She threw that veil down lightly, and immediately the men swarmed up to snatch it. The final victor, a strong young man, put the veil to his nose for a gentle sniff, his gaze revealing infatuation.

Li Yang frowned, but Peony smiled lightly upstairs: “Gentlemen, Peony is here. Now, let the bidding begin.”

Her posture and tone were bold and passionate, immediately inciting another frenzy below. Li Yang’s gaze fixed tightly on her: “Such a wonderful woman—I wonder what heavenly bliss bedding her would bring.”

He gestured to his servant beside him, who immediately joined the bidding.

Li Yang was confident. Speaking of wealth in the capital, the Li family was definitely among the top. His father Li Dong had done this kind of bidding for brothel women before. Money was a small matter to him—as long as he could win the beauty.

Though there were many young masters from prominent families below, most who came to brothels to bid were unlearned wastrels. Even those with some ability feared their family elders finding out, using their own pocket money and ultimately being timid. But he didn’t care about face at all—he wasn’t afraid of his father knowing anyway. His father might even want to sample that stunning beauty himself after learning of this.

Li Yang felt smug. The bidding was initially fierce but gradually calmed down, because the price had reached levels ordinary wealthy families couldn’t afford. Peony smiled sweetly, watching the silver amount climb bit by bit.

In the end, only two people were bidding. One was Li Yang’s servant, the other a burly man.

Li Yang beckoned his servant back to his side. Seeing the price had reached three thousand gold taels, he lazily held up four fingers: “Four thousand taels.”

The burly man returned behind Jiang Chao and whispered: “Young master, that fellow is clearly provoking us.”

Jiang Chao’s heart was filled with frustrated anger. He had been determined to win Peony tonight. Though he was quite drunk, he dimly understood that four thousand gold taels was no small sum. He simply didn’t have that much silver. But hearing Da Niu’s words about provocation, Liu Min’s proud, disdainful gaze appeared before Jiang Chao’s eyes again. He gritted his teeth: “Five thousand taels!”

At these words, everyone around was shocked. Never in history had a famous courtesan commanded five thousand gold taels for one night. Li Dong snorted and seriously examined Jiang Chao. Seeing that though Jiang Chao’s clothing was expensive, it still couldn’t compare to his own, he was certain the other was putting on airs, and waved carelessly: “Six thousand taels.”

“Seven thousand taels.” Jiang Chao gritted his teeth. Looking at Li Yang again, he felt the person seated there had changed into today’s zhuangyuan scholar parading through the streets in spring glory. His heart held only one thought: surpass him, he must surpass him.

“Eight thousand taels.” Li Yang said angrily.

“Nine thousand taels!” Jiang Chao smashed a teacup.

Li Yang was furious, also seeing this person was deliberately opposing him. He said: “Add another hu of pearls.”

Seeing he was no longer only calling out gold, and looking at the wine cup before him, Jiang Chao suddenly sobered considerably. Nine thousand gold taels was something he absolutely couldn’t produce. Not only that—if Jiang Quan learned of this, he would beat him until he couldn’t get out of bed. But now under everyone’s gaze, could he just slink away in defeat? His competitive spirit had been aroused by Li Yang, his actions faster than reason. He raised his head and happened to see Peony looking at him from the second floor. That gaze held a faint smile, seeming like gentle encouragement, yet also like silent mockery. His heart blazed as he declared boldly: “Ten thousand taels!”

The surroundings fell silent.

Everyone looked at him like they were looking at a fool. Jiang Chao only stared at Li Yang. In his eyes, Li Yang had become that flustered, helpless Liu Min.

Though Li Yang was a wastrel, he understood brothel rules well. Though beauties were wonderful, ten thousand taels was too expensive—ten thousand taels could buy many clean young Hu Ji women. Thinking it over, it really wasn’t worth it. Though angry, he still smiled: “If that’s the case, this young master won’t steal another’s beloved. Peony Girl, what a pity.” He cupped his hands, turned and left. However, reaching the door, his anger still wouldn’t settle. His eyes turned vicious as he instructed his servant: “Investigate that person thoroughly for me! Competing with me for women—I’ll make him regret it for life!”

After Li Yang left, Peony laughed lightly: “Young master spending such a fortune for Peony truly moves my heart. Please send the bank notes to mama downstairs, then come to Peony’s boudoir for a gathering.”

Bank notes? Jiang Chao suddenly realized, looking again at Peony’s gentle blue eyes, somehow breaking into a cold sweat. He naturally knew he had no extra silver to pay Peony, but Baihua Tower wasn’t without backing in the capital—what would happen if things got ugly?

Just then, the burly servant Da Niu beside him said: “My young master left home too hastily today and didn’t bring silver.”

At these words, everyone burst into laughter. Coming specifically to buy Peony’s virginity but not bringing money—wouldn’t saying this make people laugh their teeth out?

Peony looked at him with interest: “But Baihua Tower doesn’t have credit rules. Perhaps young master should fetch the silver first, then we can have a good conversation?”

These words were mocking. Jiang Chao was furious. Having drunk, he acted without restraint. Seeing Peony’s face full of sarcasm, he immediately jumped up and cursed: “Nothing but a whore doing flesh trade! Money-grubbing, claiming to love scholars—all pretense! Bitch!”

Peony’s expression changed. Suddenly guards with swords and clubs surrounded them. Peony dealt widely in social circles—officials and nobles were willing to give her face. Some of these guards were sent by nobles to protect Peony. Now they surrounded Jiang Chao tightly. Peony said coolly: “Young master seems to be here to cause trouble, or perhaps wants to default on payment through causing trouble? Baihua Tower has old rules for dealing with defaulting customers.” She pointed her chin, gesturing for someone to go over: “Does young master want to keep his left hand or right hand?”

Jiang Chao was alarmed and immediately tried to charge forward, cursing: “I’ll kill you, bitch!”

How could the guards allow it? They quickly subdued him on the ground. Da Niu panicked: “Miss, please show mercy! My young master doesn’t intend to default. Please send someone to the capital’s Jiang residence. My young master is the second son of Minister Jiang’s household. Miss can take young master’s token to collect the silver.”

People around discussed again. Minister Jiang’s family was known for upright conduct—they hadn’t expected to raise such a scoundrel son. People couldn’t help remembering the rumors about Jiang Susu from the Lantern Festival days ago, thinking indeed one couldn’t judge by appearances—the Jiang family wasn’t as honorable as they seemed.

Peony’s eyes turned: “If that’s the case, mama, please take some people to the Jiang residence. Everyone present, please witness that this Young Master Jiang spent ten thousand taels to buy Peony’s night. When Young Master Jiang sends the silver, Peony will naturally converse with Young Master Jiang through the night.” Having said this, she didn’t spare Jiang Chao another glance and swept away.

Though Peony was a brothel woman in the capital, she was connected to many forces and knew many officials and nobles—many had to give her face. So she truly didn’t regard someone of Jiang Chao’s status highly.

That night, Jiang Ruan closed her book preparing to rest when she faintly heard crying sounds from outside. She rubbed her temples: “What’s happening?”

Bai Zhi rose to bring her hot water: “I don’t know. It’s been like this since earlier. Lu Zhu already went to inquire.”

Just then, Lu Zhu slipped into the room. Seeing Jiang Ruan and Bai Zhi looking at her, she said: “It seems to be people from Baihua Tower, saying Second Young Master owes silver.”

“Debt collectors actually came to the residence.” Bai Zhi couldn’t hide the disdain in her words, ultimately feeling resistance toward places like Baihua Tower.

“Madam and Master are arguing fiercely,” Lu Zhu smiled slyly: “Madam wants to take silver to redeem Second Young Master, but Master says there isn’t that much silver. So Madam cried and argued with Master.”

Jiang Ruan smiled: “Madam truly wrongs him.” The Jiang residence indeed didn’t have ten thousand gold taels. Though the residence looked magnificent, it was ultimately just an empty shell. Moreover, in recent days they had spent a large sum bribing Scholar Zhao for Jiang Chao’s imperial examination. Though it came to nothing in the end, the silver was actually spent.

“With such a big incident in the residence, how can a daughter not go see?” Jiang Ruan stood up: “Let’s go take a look too.”

Lu Zhu and Nanny Zhou slept in the next room—Jiang Ruan didn’t wake her. Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi helped her put on outer garments and a cloak. Just reaching the courtyard gate, she saw Fu Rong supporting Jiang Dan coming out as well. Jiang Dan was startled seeing her and quickly bowed: “Elder sister heard about second brother’s matter too?”

Jiang Ruan nodded: “Though I don’t know what exactly happened, I should at least take a look.”

“I thought the same,” Jiang Dan shyly lowered her head: “After all, we’re family sisters.”

Jiang Ruan smiled at her without saying more. The two headed toward the main hall. Just entering, they first heard Xia Yan’s crying. Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow, seeing several concubines were present. Jiang Li looked gloating, Jiang Susu’s face was snow-white, and careful observation showed panic in her eyes.

The First Concubine was carefully persuading Xia Yan: “Madam, please stop crying. What if you damage your health?”

Xia Yan didn’t even look at her, only gripping Jiang Quan’s arm tightly, crying: “Master, that’s our flesh and blood! Are you really going to abandon him?”

Jiang Quan pressed his lips and looked down at Xia Yan. Her hair was slightly disheveled, tears covering that usually scholarly face, making her appear even more lovely. After all, she was the woman he truly loved. Jiang Quan helped her up with one hand and sighed: “It’s not that I don’t want to save him—the residence truly doesn’t have that much silver.”

“We can borrow it.” Xia Yan was somewhat frantic: “Master, don’t you know many officials? Just borrow some. It won’t be long—I can also borrow from my natal family. Master, Chao’er can’t fall into their hands! That Baihua Tower—what kind of place is it, Master!”

“Nonsense!” Jiang Quan pulled his hand away, his gaze becoming cold and hard again: “Borrowing silver from colleagues—do you think the Jiang residence’s dignity can be trampled so casually?”

“Father, what exactly happened? What is Baihua Tower?” Jiang Ruan asked. Only then did everyone notice she and Jiang Dan had arrived. Jiang Quan frowned: “What are you doing here?”

Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao pursed their lips. All the concubines in the residence had come, but they specifically didn’t call Jiang Ruan and Jiang Dan—truly treating them as transparent. Jiang Ruan said: “Hearing arguments at night, I was concerned and came to look. Has something happened?”

Her expression was genuinely concerned. Jiang Quan stared at her with complex emotions. Under the lamplight, Jiang Ruan’s features were like a painting. Wearing a bright red brocade cloak made her entire person appear carved from jade. He had also heard about the Lantern Festival incident and suspected Jiang Ruan. Looking at this standing girl, upon careful observation, she resembled Zhao Mei’s spirited appearance from years past.

He was somewhat dazed. Seeing Jiang Ruan, Xia Yan’s eyes lit up as she rushed over: “Ruan’er, Mother knows you’re the most soft-hearted, a kind child. Now your second brother is in trouble—could you take out the dowry elder sister left you to save your brother first? After some time, Mother will return it to you.”

She looked expectantly. Jiang Ruan quietly looked at her. Had Xia Yan lost her mind, actually asking her for help? Unfortunately, she smiled slightly: “Mother, what are you saying? If I truly had silver, I would naturally take it out to save Second Brother. But Mother also knows that five years ago I went to the manor, where evil servants bullied their master. The dowry my mother left me was long ago plundered by those evil slaves.” She sighed: “Ruan truly has the heart but lacks the power.”

Xia Yan’s hand loosened as she stared blankly at her. Jiang Ruan’s gaze calmly met hers. She wondered if Xia Yan would regret this deeply now—after all, she was the one who sent her to that manor! This was truly reaping what she sowed!

Zhao Mei had broken relations with the Zhao family to marry Jiang Quan, so her dowry was modest. But coming from a military family, over the years she had accumulated, plus past jewelry, about one to two thousand. To maintain her virtuous reputation, Xia Yan hadn’t targeted this dowry. The things taken at the manor were returned when Censor Wang helped her seek justice, but Jiang Ruan had Lian Qiao convert everything to bank notes precisely for a day like this when Xia Yan asked about the dowry—so she could righteously refuse.

Xia Yan seemed completely drained, collapsing weakly to the ground, murmuring: “My Chao’er, have we truly reached a dead end?”

Jiang Susu saw her state and finally couldn’t help running to her side. Mother and daughter cried loudly together.

Jiang Li frowned: “Second brother is too ridiculous. The residence truly doesn’t have such silver, yet he angers Father.”

The Second Concubine covered Jiang Li’s mouth, knowing this wasn’t the time to add fuel to the fire. Indeed, Jiang Quan glared fiercely at Jiang Li. Hong Ying saw the situation and stepped forward: “Madam shouldn’t just think of crying now. Though the residence doesn’t have ten thousand gold taels, a few thousand should be available. Why not take what we have first and negotiate with those Baihua Tower people to release the person first.”

Jiang Ruan laughed inwardly, glancing at Hong Ying. Coming from a brothel herself, Hong Ying wouldn’t be ignorant of brothel rules. The more popular a girl, the higher her price and the more untouchable she became. If someone owed a large debt they couldn’t repay, they’d have to pay with their life. If they couldn’t pay in full, there was absolutely no credit policy. If tonight the Jiang residence people went to negotiate with Baihua Tower, offering only partial payment, it would be admitting the Jiang residence couldn’t afford the remainder. According to rules, Jiang Chao would have to leave part of himself behind.

This Fifth Concubine appeared gentle and graceful but, coming from common origins, was as ruthless as herself.

Jiang Quan looked at the sobbing Xia Yan and her daughter. His heart softened and he finally said: “Stop crying. Steward Zhang, go to the treasury for silver and take some people to Baihua Tower.”

Xia Yan’s crying stopped, temporarily breathing easier.

Jiang Quan looked at Jiang Ruan and the others: “You staying here is useless. Return to your courtyards and don’t wander around casually.”

Jiang Dan timidly agreed. Jiang Ruan nodded and left the hall with Jiang Li. Jiang Li’s courtyard was in a different direction from Jiang Ruan’s. Before parting, Jiang Ruan said to Jiang Dan: “I never expected Second Brother to make such a grave error. If Grandmother learns of this, who knows how angry she’ll be.”

Jiang Dan was stunned. Jiang Li’s steps paused before she quickly left. Jiang Dan asked: “Elder sister means Grandmother doesn’t know about this yet?”

“Have you seen any trace of Grandmother tonight?” Jiang Ruan said: “Since she’s absent, she naturally doesn’t know.” She walked slowly, her face showing its usual smile. She wondered if Madam Jiang would fly into a rage tomorrow morning upon learning that the Jiang residence’s lifetime savings had all been used to pay for Jiang Chao’s moment of pride.

And Jiang Chao was destined not to return whole.

That night, Jiang Ruan slept deeply. When she opened her eyes in the morning, sunlight was already streaming into the room. Bai Zhi saw her awake and smiled: “Miss slept well last night, but woke quite late this morning.”

“Mother hasn’t summoned me for morning greetings anyway—being late doesn’t matter.” Jiang Ruan smiled.

“Madam has no mood for miss’s morning greetings now—she’s too busy.” Lian Qiao brought hot water, serving Jiang Ruan while washing her face: “Meiqing Garden is in complete chaos.”

Jiang Ruan took the towel: “How are things now?”

“Second Young Master had his right pinky finger chopped off.” Lian Qiao said: “When he returned, he was bloody—terrifying to see.” She paused: “Now everyone outside is saying Second Young Master went to Baihua Tower throwing money around, but his pockets were actually empty. Our Jiang residence couldn’t produce that much silver at once, only giving five thousand taels. The Baihua Tower people spared Second Young Master’s life but chopped off his pinky finger.”

After washing her face, Jiang Ruan returned the towel to Lian Qiao: “What else?”

“Miss is truly prescient,” Lian Qiao said: “The old madam somehow learned of this matter and flew into a rage, confining both Madam and Second Miss to their quarters. She herself became ill from anger. The doctor just finished examining Second Young Master and now must check the old madam’s pulse.”

“Third sister moved quite quickly.” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Has this matter spread throughout the capital?”

“Naturally.” Lu Zhu entered from outside. Hearing Jiang Ruan’s words, she joined in: “Now everyone knows about Second Young Master’s story of throwing away a fortune for a beauty at Baihua Tower last night, even getting his finger chopped off. Everyone says the Jiang residence is actually poor.” Reaching the last sentence, she looked somewhat embarrassed at Jiang Ruan’s expression. But seeing Jiang Ruan completely unconcerned by her words, she instead asked about other matters: “How is Father now?”

“Master is furious. If Second Young Master weren’t currently bedridden and unconscious, he would rush to beat him. It seems he’s encountered some grave matter.”

Jiang Ruan lowered her head and sipped the tea Bai Zhi handed her. After last night’s incident with Jiang Chao, the Jiang residence’s dignity was completely lost. For someone like Jiang Quan who valued reputation so highly, this was undoubtedly a huge blow. After this incident, censors’ memorials would certainly impeach him, creating obstacles for his career.

Most importantly, they had now conflicted with the capital’s Li family. Having won last night’s bidding war, Jiang Chao would inevitably offend Li Yang. Li Yang was narrow-minded—how could he easily let this go?

Let it continue this way. Jiang Ruan looked out the window. Jiang Chao had monopolized the Jiang residence’s legitimate son position for so many years that people had almost forgotten the Jiang family still had a Jiang Xinzhi. Let her collect this debt on Jiang Xinzhi’s behalf. Jiang Chao, was this painful? From heaven to hell was only one step away, but this was just the beginning.

In the study, Xia Yan looked at Jiang Quan in panic: “Master, you can’t confine Chao’er. Why won’t you let him go to the Imperial Academy?”

“That rebellious son!” Jiang Quan was furious: “Listen to what everyone outside is saying about our Jiang residence now! Going to Baihua Tower to compete in throwing money around—the Jiang residence has wasted raising him all these years! Failing the imperial examination, knowing only drinking daily—what a fine son you’ve raised!”

“I know Master is angry,” Xia Yan knelt down: “But Chao’er is young and ignorant—who hasn’t made mistakes? Chao’er is also the son I carried for ten months. When he was young, people called him a bastard—have you forgotten, Master? Everything Chao’er does is to bring glory to the Jiang family. This time failing the examination, his heart was already extremely pained, which led to this great error. Now he’s already been punished, hasn’t he? Chao’er has already lost a finger—please pity him, Master.”

Jiang Quan looked at Xia Yan kneeling on the ground and took a deep breath. This was the woman he loved, whom he had made wait years before becoming his wife. When Jiang Chao was born, he was already a bastard—no matter how much he compensated, it was useless.

Xia Yan continued: “Master, would you abandon even your only son?”

Jiang Quan’s heart jumped heavily. Jiang Xinzhi had been missing for five years—he had long considered himself without this son. Xia Yan was right—Jiang Chao was now his only son. He sat down at his desk, his tone dejected: “I’m doing this for Chao’er’s good. Last night’s incident means he’s made an enemy of the Li Prime Minister’s son. If he doesn’t lay low, Li Yang probably won’t easily spare him.”

Xia Yan was stunned: “Li Prime Minister? Who is Li Yang? How did Chao’er make enemies with them?”

Jiang Quan sighed and explained the whole situation to Xia Yan. There was one thing he didn’t tell her—Li Dong was one of the Eighth Prince’s people. Now he wanted to curry favor with the Eighth Prince, but had unnecessarily offended Li Dong. If Li Dong interfered, the Eighth Prince, this great tree, wouldn’t shelter him anymore. Moreover, Li Dong had extensive influence at court—none of it was good news.

After hearing Jiang Quan’s words, Xia Yan pondered: “Master, are you saying you don’t want to antagonize the Li family?”

“Connecting with the Li family would be greatly beneficial to the Jiang family,” Jiang Quan shook his head: “I had wanted to find an opportunity to establish connections, but now with Chao’er’s behavior, we’ve made enemies instead.”

Xia Yan was silent for a while before an idea formed in her mind: “Master, do you know what the most stable relationship is?”

Jiang Quan looked at her. Xia Yan said: “What if we could marry into the Li family?”

“Li’er acts too boldly, Dan’er is too young.” Jiang Quan frowned: “Don’t think wildly.”

Xia Yan shook her head: “Li’er and Dan’er are bastard daughters after all—their status doesn’t match. They couldn’t be principal wives.”

“You don’t mean Susu, do you?” Jiang Quan frowned: “What kind of place is the Li family? Father and son sharing wives happens frequently. Even if I wanted to curry favor with the Li family, I wouldn’t send Susu into such a fire pit.”

“What are you saying, Master?” Xia Yan moved closer to Jiang Quan, leaning against him. Her jade hands gently massaged his shoulders: “Susu is also my flesh and blood—how could I think such things of her? I mean Ruan’er.” She watched Jiang Quan’s stunned expression and continued: “Ruan’er has a steady character. Though I’m also worried, the Li family still has a younger son. That younger son is exceptionally clever—if he took a liking to Ruan’er, their status would match. Wouldn’t this establish connections? Then we could apologize properly, and Li Dong probably wouldn’t make things difficult anymore.”

Hearing this, Jiang Quan had a sudden realization: “I actually forgot about Li An! You’re right—Li An has unlimited prospects. If Ruan’er married him, the Jiang residence would gain assistance. But,” he hesitated: “Such a good match—you’re not considering it for Susu?”

“Ruan’er has a hard fate,” Xia Yan said gently: “At least Susu has me to worry about her, but Ruan’er has no mother. We’re all Jiang residence daughters—would I deliberately harm her? Besides, I want to keep Susu a few more years—there’s no rush for marriage. I can choose slowly.”

Jiang Quan looked at Xia Yan’s smiling face and finally relaxed, pulling her into his embrace: “I know you’re someone who understands the big picture. Marrying you is my fortune this lifetime. Rest assured, I’ll definitely find Susu an excellent match and never let her suffer this lifetime.”

Xia Yan smiled in agreement. After talking a while longer, Jiang Quan said: “Then I’ll first send a visiting card to the Li family, asking them to come to our residence for a meeting.”

Xia Yan smiled: “Then I won’t disturb Master anymore. I’ll go see Chao’er.” She closed the door, her smile instantly vanishing. Walking straight through the corridor to the courtyard, Cui Yu was caring for Jiang Chao. Seeing her enter, she quickly stood and stepped aside.

Jiang Chao lay motionless in bed. Xia Yan sat beside him, taking that hand wrapped in white cloth and placing it to her lips, whispering: “Chao’er, rest assured—Mother will definitely get revenge for you.”

Lin Lang stood nearby and asked: “Madam, are you really making a match between the eldest miss and Second Young Master Li?”

“How could that be possible?” Xia Yan’s smile was sinister: “I want her to be only Li Yang’s concubine this lifetime, never dreaming of becoming a principal wife. I want her reputation completely ruined, only able to become the Li father and son’s plaything, marrying into the Li family to suffer for life!”

Lin Lang couldn’t help shivering, only hearing Xia Yan laugh softly: “Second Young Master Li’s principal wife? Dream on!”

The Baihua Tower incident seemed to spread throughout the streets and alleys overnight. In recent days, the Jiang family had become the capital’s hottest topic of conversation, though ultimately all as a laughingstock.

At Prince Jinying’s residence, a young man in an ink-colored rain flower brocade crane cloak stood by the window, his upright figure made even more jade-like. A snow-white pigeon flew from outside the window and landed in his palm. He removed a red thread-tied note from the pigeon’s leg. The pigeon’s red bean-like eyes looked at him as he extended his fingertip to stroke the snow pigeon’s head. The snow pigeon chirped happily and flapped its wings, flying into the azure sky.

Xiao Shao unfolded the note to read it, lightly furrowing his brows. He tapped the table, and suddenly two black-clothed figures appeared in the room.

“Master,” one of them spoke first: “We’ve investigated. This subordinate followed the Imperial Academy’s book boy. The letters came from Jiang Quan’s residence in the capital. The letter sender is a maid from beside the Jiang family’s eldest daughter. But we haven’t found any connection between the two.”

“Understood. You may go.” Xiao Shao said indifferently.

The room returned to silence. Ye Feng stood behind Xiao Shao and thought for a moment: “The previous rumors were also spread by this Jiang eldest daughter. Master, this Jiang eldest daughter’s identity is truly suspicious.”

“She’s not a spy.” Xiao Shao said. When he discovered it was Jiang Ruan, he was also very surprised. Generally, only the Emperor’s close attendants would know the palace examination questions. Jiang Ruan was merely a secluded young lady—she couldn’t possibly be a palace spy. But there were indeed many inexplicable things about her. For instance, previously at Minister Shen’s residence, she even knew the most secret passages. His thirty thousand Jinyiwei had never failed to gather intelligence, but regarding this Jiang family eldest daughter who appeared out of nowhere, they couldn’t find anything suspicious, as if she was naturally supposed to know those secrets.

He had also heard about last night’s Baihua Tower incident. Recently, the Jiang residence had been plagued with troubles, seemingly all starting from when this Jiang family eldest daughter returned to the residence.

Facts proved that the Jinyiwei found the servant who had followed Jiang Chao at Baihua Tower last night, who also admitted to taking someone’s silver to deliberately lure Jiang Chao there. All evidence pointed to Jiang Ruan.

He couldn’t help frowning: “There are things that don’t make sense about this matter. Continue investigating—see what connection she has with the Eighth Prince.” If she was Xuan Li’s chess piece, that would be an entirely different matter.

Ye Feng thought for a moment: “What about the Jiang residence’s second daughter? She came again a few days ago, and Steward Lin drove her away.”

“No need to pay attention.” Xiao Shao said coolly.

Ye Feng shrugged and said no more.

Speaking of Li Dong at home receiving Jiang Quan’s visiting card, he also shook his head saying: “Strange, what does Jiang Quan mean by this? We haven’t had much interaction usually—why suddenly send a card?”

Li Dong was portly, with a beautiful concubine beside him feeding him grapes while saying: “Perhaps he wants to curry favor with Master.”

Li Yang’s lecherous eyes were roaming over Li Dong’s newly acquired beauty. Hearing this, he said: “That won’t do. Just yesterday this Jiang Chao made me lose face. I must find an opportunity to properly deal with him.”

“Enough,” Li Dong said: “Your younger brother will return to the capital in a few days—don’t cause him trouble. What kind of person is this Jiang Chao anyway, worth your concern?”

Li Yang was about to say more when the beauty giggled: “This servant doesn’t know what kind of person Jiang Chao is, but before entering the residence, this servant heard that the Jiang family’s two daughters are both earthly beauties.”

Hearing this, Li Yang’s eyes lit up: “Are your words true?”

“Naturally they’re true—this servant wouldn’t dare deceive Young Master.” The beauty laughed coquettishly: “The Jiang family’s eldest daughter is enchanting as a demon, the Jiang family’s second daughter is pure as a fairy, and both are unparalleled in talent and arts. This is a fact known to everyone in the capital. Young Master usually disdains high-born young ladies, so you probably didn’t know.”

“I never expected Jiang Chao to have such two sisters. I’d quite like to see their beauty.” A strange glint flashed in Li Yang’s eyes: “Father, when is Jiang Quan’s appointment?”

“Tomorrow.” Li Dong looked at his son’s expression and understood: “What, you also want to go to the Jiang family?”

“Such beauties—naturally I want to see them and verify whether the capital’s people are lying.” Li Yang’s smile was somewhat lewd: “Jiang Chao made me miss Peony. If his two sisters are beautiful enough, I won’t hold it against him.”

“Keep your eyes sharp,” Li Dong said: “The Jiang family daughters have their status—they can’t be casually toyed with. I see you’re not young anymore—when will you take a wife? Perfect—tomorrow when you go to the Jiang residence, if you truly fancy one, marrying her would work too.”

“I don’t want to marry yet.” Jiang Chao’s face fell. Thinking for a moment, he asked the beauty: “What are the temperaments of these Jiang residence sisters like?”

“The Jiang eldest daughter just returned to the capital, so knowledge of her isn’t familiar, but I’ve heard she acts with great bearing and appears gentle and graceful.” The beauty smiled: “The Jiang second daughter is innocent and naive, ignorant of worldly matters—this is known to everyone in the capital.”

“Both have good temperaments.” Jiang Chao licked his lips: “If I really must take a wife, why not enjoy the fortune of Qi—that would be a wonderful thing.”