That morning, Jiang Ruan rose early and had the jade stem porridge that Bai Zhi brought her. She saw Shu Xiang standing at the door looking in. Lian Qiao saw her and asked: “Is there something?”
“This servant encountered Second Miss,” Shu Xiang smiled: “Second Miss said she received some fabric and wanted to invite Eldest Miss to sit in her courtyard and select two pieces of fabric she likes.”
Lian Qiao said: “Understood. You may go do your work first.” After Shu Xiang left, Lian Qiao relayed her words exactly to Jiang Ruan, then asked: “Second Miss is truly strange—Second Young Master is still bedridden, yet she has the mood to invite Miss out.”
“She probably came prepared.” Jiang Ruan said indifferently while playing with the embroidery before her: “Lu Zhu, go inquire whether any guests are coming today.”
Jiang Susu wouldn’t invite her for no reason, especially at this time. Since they clearly intended to trap her, she might as well respond calmly.
Lu Zhu returned after a moment: “Miss, this servant asked around among others in the courtyard. It turns out Prime Minister Li from the capital is coming today.” She glanced at Jiang Ruan’s expression and said uneasily: “This servant always feels something strange about this matter. Should Miss decline?”
“No need,” before Lu Zhu could finish, Jiang Ruan answered. Lu Zhu looked at her in shock, seeing Jiang Ruan’s enchanting eyes narrow slightly as she smiled: “Such an old acquaintance—I’ve long wanted to pay a visit.” Her tone was pleasant, but somehow Lu Zhu felt chilled all over. Looking again at Jiang Ruan’s eyes, they were unfathomably deep, misty as flowers viewed through fog.
After a pause, Lu Zhu asked: “If so, should Miss dress up?”
“Naturally.” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Lian Qiao, Bai Zhi, you stay in the courtyard today to embroider for me. Call Shu Xiang in.”
In Yanhua Garden, Jiang Susu was carefully grooming herself. Last night she learned from Hudie about Xia Yan’s plan to arrange a match for Jiang Ruan. She truly couldn’t understand why Xia Yan would introduce such a good marriage to Jiang Ruan. Prime Minister Li was also a court minister, and Li An was a talented young man. Just thinking of Jiang Ruan being able to marry into the Li family in glory while her own reputation was ruined, not knowing what kind of family she might be promised to in the future, filled Jiang Susu with jealous hatred. So today she was determined to dress magnificently. She had never seen the legendary Second Young Master Li—if she could make Second Young Master Li fall for her, even if it ruined Jiang Ruan’s marriage, she would be extremely happy.
While Hudie arranged her hair, she said: “Miss should still not go out. Madam instructed that Miss should stay in her room today and not go anywhere. If something goes wrong…”
“Who told you to speak to your master this way?” Jiang Susu was somewhat impatient: “I understand my own affairs. Say more and I’ll send you away.”
Hudie’s movements paused, and she said no more.
Li Dong and his son came to the Jiang residence and were speaking with Jiang Quan in the main hall. Xia Yan also came out to receive them. Li Dong’s sticky gaze roamed over Xia Yan before saying meaningfully: “Minister Jiang is truly blessed to have such a beautiful wife.”
Xia Yan stiffened and forced a smile in response. Jiang Quan was furious, but Li Dong was naturally a crude person, and he could do nothing about it. He could only suppress his anger and say: “Today’s presumptuous invitation is because I feel that having been colleagues with Minister Li for many years without any interaction is truly regrettable.”
“Enough,” Li Dong leaned back, his small eyes narrowing on his fat face full of flesh: “We’re honest people speaking plainly. Minister Jiang probably has something to discuss today. What might it be?”
Jiang Quan hadn’t expected the other party to be so inflexible and speak so rudely. Having always held himself in high regard, he had never encountered such a person, yet couldn’t afford to offend him. He felt a knot of frustration in his chest that he couldn’t release, momentarily speechless.
Seeing this, Xia Yan quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, smiling: “Actually it’s nothing special. We just heard that Minister Li’s son is handsome and a talented young man. Thinking that our residence’s daughters are now of age, we had hopes of reaching high and came shamelessly to propose a match.”
She spoke these words directly. Jiang Quan couldn’t help glancing at Xia Yan, feeling that this woman who had always been pure as a lotus was now speaking such shameless words, making him inexplicably uncomfortable.
Li Yang, who had been sitting bored to the side, grinned upon hearing this: “Madam’s words suggest you want to find a husband for your residence’s young lady?”
Since Xia Yan spoke those words, Jiang Quan felt the Jiang residence had lost all face before the Li father and son. He simply closed his mouth tightly, refusing to converse further. Xia Yan glanced at him and smiled: “Exactly.”
Li Yang also smiled: “I wonder if Madam favors me or my second brother?”
“Second Young Master Li is a talented young man, and First Young Master Li is also dignified—naturally both are good.” Xia Yan smiled while tucking a strand of hair behind her ear: “But since First Young Master Li has come today, it’s fate with First Young Master Li.”
Li Dong stared intently at Xia Yan: “Madam has a clever tongue and speaks well. I wonder if your residence’s young lady is as beautiful as Madam?”
These words carried some flirtatious meaning. Xia Yan stiffened, and Jiang Quan could no longer bear it, about to angrily rebuke when suddenly a crisp female voice rang out: “Mother!”
Li Yang’s eyes lit up as he turned toward the hall entrance. He saw a beautiful young girl standing at the hall door—an oval face fair with a rosy tint, wearing a camellia yellow woven gold intertwining branch pattern plain-faced chicken heart collar full-sleeve silk shirt, a trailing pale white folded branch floral moon pattern skirt, draped in primrose-colored raised flower plum bamboo chrysanthemum pattern azure silk brocade. Her flowing black hair was styled in an elegant gourd chignon, with piled silk bat fine silver hairpins tucked into her softly arranged cloud temples. Her hands, smooth as cream, wore a coral bracelet, her waist tied with a half-moon water wave sash from which hung a folded flower pouch, and her feet wore embroidered shoes. Her entire person was pure and unparalleled like a fairy.
She seemed to have just noticed there were outsiders in the hall and shyly lowered her head. After thinking, she still stepped forward, her fair little face now covered with rosy clouds. Drawing closer, one could see beneath those clear, innocent eyes a cinnabar-red mole, truly a wonderful person like a heavenly fairy descended to earth.
“Father, Mother,” she paused: “Susu didn’t know guests had come.”
From the moment Xia Yan saw Jiang Susu, she froze in place. She turned somewhat dazedly to look at the Li father and son, indeed seeing their greedy gazes fixed on Jiang Susu, those wolf-like stares making even Xia Yan shiver. She made an immediate decision: “Who taught you such manners? Go back to your room!”
Her tone was too severe. Jiang Susu seemed frightened, her eyes immediately filling with tears. She looked helplessly at Li Yang. Li Yang, stared at by those eyes, felt half his soul was lost and immediately said: “Miss Jiang didn’t do it intentionally. Why must Madam scold her? Besides, my father and I aren’t outsiders.”
His words were presumptuous. Xia Yan was already extremely anxious. Jiang Susu frowned, and Li Dong also said: “She’s just a child—Madam needn’t worry too much.”
Jiang Susu sensitively sensed something was wrong. Seeing Jiang Quan and Xia Yan’s expressions, her heart trembled as she said: “If so, Susu will withdraw first.” Without caring about the looks behind her, she hurriedly ran away.
Only when Jiang Susu’s figure could no longer be seen did Li Yang withdraw his gaze and ask: “That’s your residence’s second daughter? Indeed, seeing is better than hearing.”
“Susu is still young,” Jiang Quan blocked: “We haven’t considered engagement yet. I meant Ruan’er.”
Xia Yan quickly chimed in: “That’s right. Susu has a mischievous nature. Actually Ruan’er’s character and appearance are first-rate.”
The Li father and son exchanged glances. Li Yang said: “No rush. I see Second Miss Jiang is indeed a rare beauty.”
Xia Yan felt anxious. After absent-mindedly talking with the Li father and son for a while, they had lunch. At the height of wine and conversation, Jiang Quan and Li Dong discussed some court matters. Li Yang and Xia Yan both withdrew. Li Yang suggested touring the garden. Though improper, given the family’s overwhelming power, they agreed. Xia Yan called Lin Lang: “Go find Shu Xiang immediately and bring Jiang Ruan out.” A sinister glint flashed in her eyes: “For my Susu’s sake, you’ll suffer for a lifetime.”
Jiang Ruan wore a newly made camellia yellow openwork ten-pattern brocade pipa-front brocade robe from Ruyi Tower. Lu Zhu draped a deep red printed intertwining flower jade brocade cloak over her. Her hair was casually styled in a tassel chignon, even wearing a jasmine fine silver hairpin with inlaid flowers. With light makeup, she was already radiantly beautiful. Shu Xiang smiled beside her: “Miss is truly beautiful, really like a heavenly fairy.”
“A heavenly fairy?” Jiang Ruan smiled lightly: “I’m not from heaven.” She was an evil spirit, an evil spirit returned from hell. What she intended to do was destroy the fairy in everyone’s eyes—how could she be a heavenly fairy?
Shu Xiang didn’t quite understand her words. Lu Zhu said: “Miss is dressed too grandly. Could there really be distinguished guests at the residence today? It’s just going to Second Miss’s courtyard to rest.”
Shu Xiang’s heart jumped as she secretly glanced at Jiang Ruan, but saw Jiang Ruan’s expression was normal: “It’s just that the weather looks nice today, so my spirits are livelier. Where would the residence have distinguished guests? Even if there really were distinguished guests, they’re not for daughters to see.”
Shu Xiang lowered her head further, somehow feeling an inexplicable unease. Jiang Ruan looked at her and smiled: “Lu Zhu and I have never been to Suxin Garden, but you often go out and should know the way.”
The Jiang residence wasn’t large but wasn’t small either. Since returning to the residence, Jiang Ruan had never once been to Jiang Susu’s courtyard. Shu Xiang didn’t know what Jiang Ruan meant by these words, and steady as she was, she couldn’t help but feel suspicious. After a pause she said: “This servant has been there once or twice and can roughly remember.”
Jiang Ruan smiled: “Then I’ll trouble you to lead the way.”
Shu Xiang suppressed that strange feeling in her heart and curtsied: “Miss, please follow this servant.”
All the way, Shu Xiang led in front while Jiang Ruan and Lu Zhu walked behind. Lu Zhu half-shielded Jiang Ruan’s side, somewhat warily watching Shu Xiang’s back. Jiang Ruan remained composed, her lips curved in a serene, peaceful smile.
Reaching the Suxin Garden gate, Shu Xiang stopped: “This is Suxin Garden.”
Jiang Ruan surveyed the courtyard entrance. Even just at the gate without entering, she could clearly feel the difference from Ruan Residence. Suxin Garden was spacious, and everywhere the garden scenes and rocks were carefully arranged, showing unlimited elegance at a glance. Jiang Quan truly showed favoritism—compared to Jiang Susu’s Suxin Garden, Ruan Residence wasn’t even as good as servants’ quarters.
Jiang Ruan followed Shu Xiang to a room in Jiang Susu’s courtyard. Pushing open the door, it was a small guest room with a teapot and cups on the small table. Hudie stood apologetically: “Miss just went out and hasn’t returned yet. Please wait, Eldest Miss. We servants will go urge her.”
“No matter, you may go.” Jiang Ruan smiled politely: “Shu Xiang, Lu Zhu, you needn’t stay here either. Follow Hudie to find Second Sister.”
Shu Xiang was stunned, looking at Jiang Ruan somewhat suspiciously. Jiang Ruan smiled: “Are you afraid I’ll run away? Rest assured, I’ll be right here.”
Shu Xiang’s heart trembled. Somehow, before this second miss, she always felt inexplicably afraid. Those enchanting eyes seemed to lay bare all her thoughts, making her extremely uncomfortable.
Lu Zhu looked worriedly at Jiang Ruan before bowing and withdrawing with Shu Xiang and Hudie.
After the three left, Jiang Ruan stood up, her lip’s smile fading as she gently pushed open the door.
Suxin Garden was completely quiet—not a single person around. She leaned against the vermillion pillar by the door and smiled faintly. Xia Yan had actually sent away everyone in Suxin Garden—did she really want her unable to live or die?
Unfortunately, she had already tasted despair and helplessness once—that was enough.
She smiled coldly and turned into another room.
Soon, she heard disorderly footsteps from outside—unsteady and weak steps, clearly someone staggering while drunk. Jiang Ruan pushed open the door and stood quietly in place.
Li Yang was in high spirits from drinking. While touring the garden, he happened to see a decent-looking maid and tried to embrace her intimately, but the maid broke free. Whether intentionally or not, she led him all the way here. Reaching this courtyard, the maid disappeared.
He was somewhat confused from drinking and could dimly make out objects before him. Seeing this small courtyard arranged elegantly and refined, with “Suxin Garden” written above, his heart stirred. He forgot where he was, only knowing it must be some young lady’s boudoir. A smile immediately curved his lips as he staggered forward.
Just then, Li Yang saw a red-dressed young girl standing at the door. This girl had a graceful figure and stood straight—though he couldn’t see her face clearly, he instinctively felt she was a stunning beauty. Li Yang immediately disregarded everything, shouting: “Little beauty…” The red-dressed girl turned and entered the room. Li Yang’s lust immediately arose as he followed inside, calling: “Beauty, don’t run!”
Entering the room, he smelled a fragrant scent at his nose. He paused, seeing gauze curtains everywhere obscuring his vision, and urgently called: “Beauty, where are you?”
“Second Young Master Li, you really frightened Susu.” A soft voice sounded by his ear.
Li Yang’s heart stirred. Jiang Susu’s pure appearance floated before his eyes as he joyfully turned to embrace the person fully: “Susu being so forward truly moves me.”
The red-dressed girl looked at him quietly. Li Yang tried to open his eyes wider but still found her face blurred. He immediately disregarded everything and was about to lean in for passionate kisses when the girl suddenly smiled: “Second Young Master Li, Susu has a gift for you.”
Hearing this, Li Yang—who had been with countless women but never encountered such an interesting one—saw someone who looked like a heavenly fairy yet actively made such seductive moves. His interest immediately peaked: “What gift?”
The girl said softly: “The gift is—go die.” Having said this, the hand hidden behind her back swung a vase viciously at him. Li Yang hadn’t expected the beautiful woman to suddenly become a death-dealing demon. Caught off guard, he received a heavy blow and blood immediately flowed from his head. His body swayed and he collapsed.
Jiang Ruan looked at Li Yang’s sprawled form with a cold smile. She crouched down, playing with ceramic shards from the vase in her hand, and suddenly smiled lightly.
The Li father and son were most disgusting. Both kept catamites in the Prime Minister’s residence, playing with boys and girls—this was known throughout the court. Dealing with such shameless people, reputation wasn’t most important.
In her previous life before death, she only knew Li Dong had played with Pei’er, but didn’t know whether this Li Yang had shared in it. Even if he hadn’t, the son paying for the father’s debts wasn’t excessive.
She patted Li Yang’s face with the ceramic shard: “Young Master Li, I gave you a gift—shouldn’t you return one to me?”
Moments later, Jiang Ruan emerged from the room. Just reaching the Suxin Garden gate, she heard a servant’s voice: “Young master, young master, where are you?”
It was Li Yang’s servant. Jiang Ruan paused—it was too late to hide. Her mind raced, but before she could think of a solution, she suddenly heard the servant cry out and fall silent. After pondering briefly, Jiang Ruan walked out of the courtyard gate. A few steps from the gate, a servant lay prostrate, apparently having tripped and fainted.
Jiang Ruan frowned and looked around but found nothing. She stepped around the unconscious servant and left calmly.
In the tree, a black-clothed young man played with a stone in his hand, long eyelashes lowered, concealing the thoughtful look in his eyes. He had only come to the Jiang residence to investigate Xuan Li’s affairs but witnessed an unexpected scene. The Jiang family’s legitimate eldest daughter seemed to have some deep grudge with the Li family’s second son—her ruthless methods showed no hesitation, truly surprising.
Shu Xiang waited in the garden for a while before heading toward Suxin Garden. Halfway there, she saw Lu Zhu running over in panic. Shu Xiang quickly asked: “What’s wrong? You look so anxious—has something happened?”
“No, nothing.” Lu Zhu’s expression was evasive: “You should return to Ruan Residence. I still have matters.” She then hurried away again. Seeing Lu Zhu’s manner, Shu Xiang felt somewhat reassured and, after thinking, walked in another direction.
After Jiang Quan finished discussing business with Li Dong, they casually toured the Jiang residence while talking about the two families’ marriage alliance. Though Li Dong was lustful, he was also an old fox—every word was evasive. Xia Yan occasionally chimed in beside them, but Li Dong’s attitude remained unclear, only saying they should see Li Yang’s opinion.
As the three walked, they drew closer to Suxin Garden. Just then, a clear-featured maid suddenly rushed out diagonally, her expression full of panic. Seeing Xia Yan as if seeing salvation, she knelt crying: “Please save my eldest miss!” Then she looked up and was startled, apparently just noticing Li Dong’s presence.
Xia Yan looked at the maid in surprise and frowned: “What do you mean? What happened to Ruan’er?”
The maid seemed frightened and didn’t dare speak. Xia Yan grew more anxious: “What exactly happened?”
Just then, a woman’s shrill scream came from Suxin Garden—so piercing it made everyone present shiver. Xia Yan paused, said no more, and immediately walked quickly toward Suxin Garden.
Lin Lang followed beside her. Outside Suxin Garden all was quiet—not a person in the courtyard. Xia Yan first went to the small guest room, which was perfectly calm with the teapot and cups on the table untouched, just as before.
Lin Lang was stunned, and Xia Yan was also bewildered. Then another woman’s scream came from outside—this time clearly from Jiang Susu’s room.
For a moment, Xia Yan couldn’t wonder why the location had become Jiang Susu’s room. With an ominous premonition in her heart, she pushed past Lin Lang and immediately rushed into Jiang Susu’s room.
Upon entering, she smelled a heavy, nauseating bloody scent. Xia Yan’s eyes jumped—winding bloodstains on the ground were shocking to see. A broken sob came, and hearing it, Xia Yan felt as if struck by lightning. She stepped forward and saw Jiang Susu crying in the room.
At Jiang Susu’s feet, Li Yang was covered in blood, his original appearance unrecognizable. His eyes were tightly closed—his fate was likely dire.
“No—” Xia Yan’s eyes widened. Footsteps sounded behind the door, and before she could stop them, Jiang Quan’s voice came: “What happened?”
The voice cut off abruptly, then came a scream: “My son!”
Li Dong stared wide-eyed as if unable to believe it. He rushed to Li Yang’s side and shook his body: “My son, wake up!”
Li Yang seemed completely unconscious. Li Dong lowered his head, his gaze falling on Li Yang’s lower body—the fine silk robe from the waist down was stained with blood. His gaze moved down to rest on a bloody, mangled thing beside them, then he let out a painful low howl.
Anyone seeing their son castrated would be affected.
Li Dong raised his head again, his eyes full of blood-red fury: “Jiang Quan, I want your life!” “It wasn’t me, it wasn’t me.” Jiang Susu was already trembling with fear, her face covered in tears: “When I entered the room he was already like this. It wasn’t me, really it wasn’t me.”
But no one could believe her words. From this scene, if Li Yang had lustful intentions toward Jiang Susu and attempted impropriety, with Jiang Susu angrily smashing his head with a vase then furiously castrating him—this would be the most convincing explanation.
Xia Yan defended: “No, it couldn’t be Susu. Susu is timid—she wouldn’t treat Second Young Master Li this way. Minister Li, don’t panic. The culprit must still be hidden in the room. Where’s Ruan’er? Susu, weren’t you with Ruan’er? Where did Ruan’er go?” She thought this must be Jiang Ruan’s frame-up, and Jiang Ruan might not have left this room yet.
Li Dong raised his head. Before he could speak, a gentle female voice came from outside: “Father, Mother, what’s happened? Why are you all in Second Sister’s room?”
Xia Yan’s body stiffened. She saw Jiang Ruan standing at the courtyard gate in red clothing bright as fire. Today she had even applied light makeup, making her entire person devastatingly beautiful. Compared to her, Jiang Susu crying in disarray looked utterly wretched.
“Ruan’er, weren’t you in the room with Susu selecting fabric? How did you go out?” Xia Yan asked urgently.
“I waited for Second Sister who didn’t come for a long time. I thought I should actively look for her, but couldn’t find her.” Jiang Ruan said: “So I had Lu Zhu accompany me to the garden to pick some red plum blossoms, thinking to put them in a vase later—it would look nice.” She raised her hand, indeed holding several red plum branches.
Xia Yan collapsed weakly to the ground. Jiang Quan’s heart ached painfully. Seeing Li Yang unconscious on the ground and Li Dong’s sinister expression, he called out: “Bitch, I want you to pay with your life for my son!” Before anyone could see his movement clearly, they only saw the sharp ceramic shard in his hand. Jiang Susu, frightened, jumped backward. Li Dong’s corpulent body wasn’t very agile—Jiang Susu barely dodged, only feeling a burning pain on her right cheek. Touching it, her hand was covered in blood.
Jiang Quan shouted: “Insolence!” The courtyard guards desperately pulled Li Dong away. Jiang Susu was already covering her face, crying in breakdown. Seeing Jiang Susu’s bloody face, Xia Yan felt a pain in her heart and fainted directly.
“Quickly call a doctor!” Jiang Quan said urgently.
Li Dong also had people carry Li Yang: “Return to the residence immediately.” Before leaving, he looked viciously at Jiang Quan: “I won’t let this matter rest. Jiang Quan, I will make you pay!”
After watching Li Dong’s party leave, Jiang Quan rubbed his temples, then hurriedly left for Yanhua Garden due to worry about Jiang Susu and Xia Yan. Suxin Garden was again empty as before.
Lu Zhu stood silently beside Jiang Ruan. Amid the bloodstains everywhere, Jiang Ruan smiled slightly and said softly: “Shu Xiang, won’t you come in?”
Shu Xiang’s face was pale as death, looking at Jiang Ruan as if seeing a demon. Earlier, Lu Zhu’s expression had made her think the matter was settled, so she had hurriedly reported to Xia Yan. Who knew that now it was Jiang Susu trapped—if all this was coincidence, it was too forced.
“You must remember Suxin Garden’s route well and never forget it your whole life.” Jiang Ruan smiled at her: “Right?”
Lu Zhu couldn’t hide her contemptuous gaze. Shu Xiang felt cold sweat covering her back—she knew Xia Yan wouldn’t easily spare her this time. That red-dressed girl seemed to blend harmoniously with the bloodstains everywhere, her expression showing no panic whatsoever. She smiled faintly and turned to leave.
This day would surely be another extraordinarily eventful one for the capital’s Jiang family. In just a few days, Jiang Chao lost a finger, Jiang Susu was disfigured, Xia Yan fainted from anger, and Madam Jiang was bedridden with illness.
The vast Jiang residence somehow showed signs of collapse. This sign was too subtle to notice, but those rotting things were taking root bit by bit, waiting for the day they would break ground and devour this magnificent residence completely.
Jiang Ruan sat at her table drinking tea—new honey wine from the manor that every courtyard received a bit of, mixed with a few red plum petals freshly picked from the courtyard. Simple flower tea, but it had its own flavor.
That afternoon’s events brought Jiang Dan in the evening. Looking at Jiang Ruan’s manner, she said eagerly: “Elder sister, I didn’t leave my courtyard today. I heard you were also present—did Second Sister really smash Second Young Master Li’s head?”
Jiang Ruan just looked at her and smiled: “Oh, Second Sister gets news quite quickly. But you seem skeptical?”
“No, no,” Jiang Dan quickly waved her hands: “It’s just that Second Sister has always been gentle. I never expected her to have such courage to hurt Second Young Master Li.” As she spoke, she probed Jiang Ruan’s expression.
“Even rabbits bite when cornered.” Jiang Ruan said methodically: “People who usually seem docile have fierce sides too—we just don’t see them.”
Jiang Dan paused and smiled: “Elder sister is right.” After talking for a while longer, Jiang Dan timidly bid farewell. Lian Qiao escorted Jiang Dan to the courtyard gate. Returning, she said: “This Fourth Miss is truly strange. Madam doesn’t treat her particularly well, yet she eagerly inquires about Second Miss’s affairs.” She shook her head: “Isn’t she too kind-hearted?”
Jiang Ruan just smiled without speaking. Her feelings about Jiang Dan were already vague. She only knew that after Third Concubine died, Jiang Dan was raised by Zhao Mei’s side. At that time, Jiang Dan wasn’t as weak as now—though also timid, she was extremely ingratiating and pleasing. Zhao Mei also liked her very much. Though sometimes Jiang Ruan felt displeased by Jiang Dan’s competing for favor, ultimately seeing her pitiful loss of her mother, it was understandable for her to eagerly please.
Only the consistently gentle Jiang Xinzhi somehow didn’t like Jiang Dan. Though he didn’t show it, there was always a subtle polite distance.
In her previous life, Jiang Dan seemed to have married a noble’s son as a concubine. As a bastard daughter, she couldn’t hope for a principal wife position in a good family. She didn’t know much about later events, nor whether Jiang Dan had contributed to her becoming a nation-destroying demoness.
Just then, she heard voices outside. Lu Zhu pushed open the door and gestured outside: “Shu Xiang just returned, her face covered in slap marks, walking unsteadily with a terrible complexion.”
Jiang Ruan smiled. Having botched such an affair today, Xia Yan surely wouldn’t easily spare Shu Xiang. But ultimately being a chess piece placed in Ruan Residence, she couldn’t bear to kill her yet, so Shu Xiang kept her life.
“Miss,” Bai Zhi asked: “This servant doesn’t understand something. When Madam originally sent four maids, why does Miss treat only this Shu Xiang specially while not being so concerned with the other three?”
“Perhaps it’s an old grudge.” Jiang Ruan said quietly: “Lu Zhu, besides the Li father and son today, was there really no one else who came to the residence?”
“This servant asked many people—indeed no one else.” Lu Zhu said: “Did Miss see incorrectly?”
Jiang Ruan shook her head. Li Yang’s servant definitely wouldn’t have fainted intentionally. If it wasn’t an outsider, unless someone in the residence was secretly helping her. But that also meant everything she did today fell completely under someone else’s eyes. That person helped her but wasn’t necessarily friend rather than foe.
Who could it be? Jiang Ruan pondered.
In Yanhua Garden, Xia Yan smashed the last blue porcelain teacup on the table. The surrounding maids dared not breathe. Lin Lang stepped forward to console: “Madam, don’t anger yourself into illness.” With a “slap,” Xia Yan backhanded her across the face. Immediately, Lin Lang’s face showed five distinct fingerprints. She dared not move, and the other maids, seeing even the most favored Lin Lang get slapped, stood even more motionlessly.
Xia Yan’s heart was nearly bursting with rage. Thinking of the doctor’s final words after treating Jiang Susu made her heart ache even more: “Your daughter’s wound is quite deep and she lost much blood. She’s fine now, but there may be scars in the future.”
Jiang Susu’s face was devastatingly beautiful, but now it was disfigured—how could she marry into a high family in the future? She hated Li Yang for dying in Jiang Susu’s boudoir, hated Li Dong for scratching Jiang Susu’s face like that. Most of all, she hated Jiang Ruan—she absolutely didn’t believe today’s events had nothing to do with Jiang Ruan!
Clearly it was a foolproof arrangement. As long as Jiang Ruan entered that small guest room and drank the tea on the table, when Li Yang entered the courtyard and did such things with Jiang Ruan, then was discovered by Jiang Quan and Li Dong, the matter would be settled. Jiang Ruan’s reputation would be ruined, and she could only enter the Li family as a lowly concubine. But she never calculated that Jiang Ruan never entered that guest room or drank the tea. Li Yang somehow ended up in Jiang Susu’s room, and Jiang Susu happened to return to her room!
Now Li Dong probably hated Jiang Susu to death. No matter how much she hated Li Dong, Li Yang was injured like that and castrated in the Jiang residence—who knew what methods Li Dong would use for revenge? Thinking of this, Xia Yan felt afraid.
“No, I must find a way.” Xia Yan paced around the room several times, then made up her mind. She walked to the desk and had Lin Lang grind ink: “I need to write to Father and ask for his advice.”
At this moment, Jiang Quan was in his study rubbing his temples. In just a few days, several streaks of white hair had appeared at his temples. His most beloved son and daughter had encountered such misfortune—he was furious to the point of internal injury, yet his opponent was Li Dong, the Eighth Prince’s man.
Hong Ying stood behind him, her jade hands gently massaging his scalp as she said soothingly: “Master, please ease your mind. Second Miss and Second Young Master will both recover.”
Jiang Quan dejectedly lowered his eyes. That face which had always been spirited was now full of dejection. His proudest pair of children were now both bedridden, and they would probably be disabled for life. He remembered Xia Yan’s words—the residence’s only legitimate son and daughter were now in this state. Who would be left for the Jiang residence in the future? “I, Jiang Quan, have fallen to this point where I can’t even protect my own children.”
Hong Ying’s gentle words were right by his ear: “Master speaks wrongly—aren’t there still the eldest young master and eldest miss?”
Jiang Xinzhi and Jiang Ruan. Jiang Quan was slightly stunned. Jiang Xinzhi had left the Jiang residence years ago and his life or death was now unknown. As for Jiang Ruan, he thought of seeing her in Suxin Garden today—the lightly made-up young girl standing gracefully, already showing some budding elegance. That figure in red clothing like fire reminded him of Zhao Mei in her youth.
But compared to Zhao Mei, Jiang Ruan lacked that willful impulsiveness and had more gentle brightness. He had originally detested Zhao Mei. Because of Zhao Mei’s devotion, and because Zhao Mei was a high-born young lady, he had no choice but to marry her, yet had never loved her. He knew that Zhao Mei, a military general’s daughter, had learned music, chess, calligraphy and painting for his sake.
He didn’t love Zhao Mei, so even Jiang Xinzhi and Jiang Ruan couldn’t receive any of his affection. Now that Jiang Chao and Jiang Susu had met with disaster, was this Heaven’s punishment for him?
“Li Dong won’t let this matter rest,” Jiang Quan sighed deeply: “With Li Yang in his current state, I fear he’ll demand to marry Susu.”
Hong Ying’s hands paused: “Demand marriage?”
“If Li Yang had died, that would be one thing. If he didn’t die, in that condition, probably no good family would be willing to marry their daughter to him in the future.” Jiang Quan said: “He hates Susu to the bone. If he demands marriage, he’ll surely torment her in every way. Susu would be unable to live or die, never happy for her entire life.”
“Is Master willing to break with Prime Minister Li for Second Miss’s sake?” Hong Ying asked.
“No,” Jiang Quan said: “If the Jiang residence wants to curry favor with the Eighth Prince, breaking with the Li family would most likely ruin this opportunity.”
“Then, is Master willing to marry Second Miss into the Li family?” Hong Ying probed.
“Susu is my most beloved daughter. I absolutely won’t send her into such a fire pit.” Jiang Quan said: “Even if Li Yang were perfectly fine, I wouldn’t marry Susu to him, let alone now when he’s basically a useless person.”
“Does Master have any solution?” Hong Ying had vaguely guessed something, her voice becoming even gentler.
“I’m unwilling to send Susu over. If I could compensate them with Ruan’er, perhaps it could extinguish the Li father and son’s fury.” Jiang Quan said: “Ruan’er is already beautiful now. When she grows older, her appearance will probably be even more outstanding. Offering them my Jiang residence’s pure legitimate daughter might make them feel the Jiang residence’s sincerity.”
Even though she had already guessed somewhat, Hong Ying was still shocked speechless. Jiang Quan could actually think to trade Jiang Ruan’s lifetime of suffering for Jiang Susu’s freedom. How could there be such a father in the world, treating his own flesh and blood with such different attitudes! If she hadn’t heard it with her own ears, Hong Ying could hardly believe these words came from Jiang Quan’s mouth.
She couldn’t help but speak: “Does Master know what it would mean for Eldest Miss to marry over there?” It would mean Jiang Ruan would become a tool for the Li father and son to vent their anger. Li Yang and Li Dong would transfer their hatred for Jiang Susu onto Jiang Ruan, and Jiang Ruan would live a lifetime of humiliation.
Jiang Quan looked away: “I have no other choice. As the elder sister, it’s natural for Ruan’er to care for her younger sister.”
He spoke so matter-of-factly that Hong Ying felt somewhat chilled. She forced a smile: “Master should wait until Second Miss wakes up before making plans. We also don’t know Second Young Master Li’s condition.”
Jiang Quan was stunned and said: “You’re right. This matter can be discussed later. For now, let’s wait until Susu wakes up. You may go.”
Hong Ying quickly withdrew. After leaving the room, she still felt lingering fear. Thinking of Jiang Quan’s earlier words still made her shudder. The Li father and son’s disgusting methods were well-known throughout the capital, yet Jiang Quan could suggest marrying Jiang Ruan over there without changing expression—it was truly chilling.
Jiang Ruan had once extended an olive branch to her, but Hong Ying had always been cautious and didn’t easily ally with others. However, she had sensitively noticed that since Jiang Ruan returned to the residence, the Jiang residence’s atmosphere had quietly changed. The eldest miss appeared gentle and lovely, but in all the recent events, she invariably emerged unscathed while Xia Yan and her daughter suffered. Coming from a brothel background, Hong Ying wouldn’t naively think this was all due to Jiang Ruan’s luck.