At noon the next day, Xia Yan brought Jiang Susu to Ruan Residence.
Jiang Susu wore a white veil covering everything below her eyes, leaving only her eyes exposed.
Xia Yan said: “Ruan’er, tomorrow we’re going to your grandfather’s residence. Pack up a bit—your grandmother hasn’t seen you all for a long time and must miss you terribly.”
Lian Qiao behind her showed a disdainful expression. Xia Yan spoke so intimately, but after all, he was Jiang Susu’s grandfather and grandmother—what did it have to do with Jiang Ruan?
“Naturally. Second Sister and Second Brother had such serious incidents—going out to relax would be good.” Jiang Ruan smiled. Hearing her words, both Jiang Susu and Xia Yan’s faces immediately stiffened.
“Then I won’t disturb Ruan’er.” Xia Yan said gently: “I’ll go see your second brother. This matter was probably someone’s frame-up—he’s also a poor child.”
“Mother should counsel Second Brother well. After failing the examination and suffering consecutive blows, it’s truly worrying.” Jiang Ruan said with concern.
Xia Yan’s movements paused again as she forced a smile: “Your concern would comfort your second brother if he knew.” She stood up: “Mother won’t stay long. Susu, let’s go.”
After Xia Yan and her daughter left, Bai Zhi looked at their retreating figures: “Miss, why the sudden trip to Marquis Xia’s residence? There must be some development.”
Though Bai Zhi was straightforward in thinking, she wasn’t stupid. Jiang Ruan shook her head: “They just want to borrow Marquis Xia’s influence.”
Just then, Lu Zhu pushed open the door: “Miss, Young Master Gu had someone send word that General Guan will return to the capital next month. Young Master’s matter might have progress if we wait a bit longer.”
Jiang Ruan’s eyes lit up as she smiled slightly: “That’s good news. Next month isn’t too late.”
“If Young Master returns, Master surely won’t treat you this way.” Jiang Quan currently treated Jiang Ruan so because she was just a daughter, while Jiang Xinzhi was the family’s legitimate eldest son. Now that Jiang Chao had lost a finger, Jiang Quan would probably value Jiang Xinzhi more, and Jiang Xinzhi would protect Jiang Ruan from others’ bullying.
“That’s not necessarily true.” Jiang Ruan smiled coldly: “Big Brother and I are both thorns in these people’s eyes. You must not leak even a bit of Big Brother’s news to outsiders.”
Bai Zhi and Lu Zhu looked at each other, seeing Jiang Ruan’s brows furrow lightly, her expression more solemn than ever before.
In her previous life, while at the manor, she had received news of Jiang Xinzhi’s death in battle. At that time, the Xia family’s position in court was gradually rising. Thinking carefully now, there were suspicious details everywhere. If Xia Yan had secretly eliminated Jiang Xinzhi to secure Jiang Chao’s position, it wasn’t impossible. Perhaps Jiang Quan even knew about it—first, he had no father-son affection for Jiang Xinzhi, and second, he needed the Xia family’s influence, so acquiescing was very possible.
Thinking of her gentle brother, Jiang Ruan clenched her fists. If Jiang Xinzhi was still alive, she would use all her strength to protect this blood relative, no matter the cost.
But Marquis Xia’s residence? Her gaze turned cold. Some people—it had been a long time since she’d seen them.
“Lu Zhu, you and Bai Zhi stay in the residence these days and watch for movements, especially Fifth Concubine’s area.” Jiang Ruan said: “Lian Qiao, you come with me. Call Shu Xiang in.”
“Shu Xiang,” Lian Qiao frowned: “Miss, this woman has ill intentions and might cause trouble.”
“I want exactly her trouble.” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Go. I have my own arrangements.”
The next day, early morning, Shu Xiang and Lian Qiao indeed waited outside. Compared to before, Shu Xiang seemed more timid, and when she looked up at Jiang Ruan, her eyes held faint fear. Looking at this bowing, submissive maid, Jiang Ruan found it hard to connect her with the memory of that gentle, confident palace maid who always appeared before her with a caring face.
She put on her outer garment and smiled: “Let’s go.”
Jiang Susu and Xia Yan were already waiting in the carriage. When Jiang Ruan climbed in, she discovered Jiang Li and Jiang Dan were also present. Jiang Chao sat in another carriage. Jiang Li looked at Jiang Susu’s veiled face with mockery, but due to Xia Yan’s presence, didn’t dare say much. Jiang Dan sat in the innermost part of the carriage, looking extremely uncomfortable. Seeing Jiang Ruan enter, she smiled timidly at her. Jiang Ruan returned the smile and sat beside Xia Yan.
Xia Yan looked at her and smiled: “This is Ruan’er’s first time visiting grandfather’s home too. Grandfather last saw you five years ago—in a blink you’ve become a young lady.”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Ruan also misses Grandfather very much.”
The first time she saw Marquis Xia was when Zhao Mei died. She knelt in the mourning hall in white mourning clothes, watching that amiable-looking old man approach and chat with Jiang Quan. Soon after, Xia Yan became the principal wife.
Later, in the palace, she often saw this Marquis Xia and his family members at palace banquets. The Xia family’s shamelessness was vivid in her memory. At that time, the Xia family granddaughter Xia Jiaojiao entered the palace with her and was granted the title of Beauty. Secretly, she caused her countless troubles. Finally, Xia Jiaojiao gained imperial favor—though who knew how genuine that favor was—and used her position to bully her plenty. She only remembered that when she finally fell into prison, Xia Jiaojiao was safely taken back to the residence by Marquis Xia.
When Jiang Ruan spoke, Xia Yan couldn’t help feeling a chill for no apparent reason. She looked carefully at Jiang Ruan’s expression but couldn’t fathom the meaning behind her words, so she smiled: “Has Ruan’er thought about what gift to bring?”
“Gift?” Jiang Ruan looked at her in confusion.
Xia Yan laughed: “You child, don’t you know that visiting grandfather’s home requires bringing symbolic gifts? But I don’t blame you—staying at the manor so long, no one taught you these social customs.”
Jiang Li smiled mockingly from the side while Jiang Dan remained silent.
“Mother is right,” Jiang Ruan smiled: “Today I’m educated. In the future when visiting, I won’t make people laugh.” She paused and continued: “But I haven’t prepared a gift today. What have my sisters prepared?”
“I prepared handkerchiefs I embroidered for everyone.” Jiang Susu, veiled, had eyes as beautiful as ever: “Though simple, they’re handmade with heartfelt intentions.”
Jiang Li initially didn’t want to answer, but fearing Xia Yan and wanting to show off, she said proudly: “Mine is powder sent from the palace. Just a little application makes skin perfectly white without any scars showing.”
Her words were unintentional but made Jiang Susu’s face stiffen under the veil, and Xia Yan clenched her palms. Then Jiang Dan said timidly: “I brewed a bottle of honey myself.”
“My sisters’ gifts are all so good,” Jiang Ruan’s voice lowered slightly: “But I prepared nothing.”
“Silly child,” Xia Yan lovingly patted her head: “How could Mother forget you? This morning, knowing you might have forgotten, I had the kitchen make a basket of pastries. In this cold weather, they’ll keep for several days. The pastries are exquisite and won’t lose face.”
Jiang Ruan was somewhat surprised, then said to Xia Yan: “Mother took such trouble, thinking so thoroughly for Ruan. Ruan is ashamed.”
“We’re mother and daughter—how could I mind such things?” Xia Yan smiled: “Don’t talk nonsense. When you meet your grandparents, remember to personally present that gift.”
Jiang Ruan nodded. Seeing this, Xia Yan felt relieved. Jiang Susu smiled imperceptibly. Jiang Li, impatient with their conversation, had long turned her head away to rest with closed eyes. Jiang Dan looked at Xia Yan’s expression thoughtfully.
Marquis Xia’s residence was far from the Jiang residence, and with rainy, slippery roads and overcast skies, when they reached the gate, it was actually only evening, but the dark clouds made it seem like night.
The servants and attendants at the gate welcomed them in, saying as they walked: “Miss has returned! Master and Madam have been waiting in the hall.”
Xia Yan smiled in acknowledgment. Reaching the main hall of Marquis Xia’s residence, it was indeed magnificently wealthy. A man and woman sat in the place of honor. The man was past sixty with a kindly round face, mouth corners always upturned, looking like a Maitreya Buddha. The woman appeared barely forty, with a ruddy complexion and a bejeweled appearance, also very amiable.
Two couples stood to the side. The slightly older man had ordinary features and an unsmiling, stern look, with a beautiful woman beside him—Xia family’s eldest son Xia Tianyi and his wife Shen Rou. The other younger couple—the man was handsome with flirtatious eyes, the woman beside him not as beautiful as Shen Rou, though passably pretty, had a long face and thin lips with a somewhat mean expression. This was the Xia family’s second son Xia Tiancai and his wife Yu Ya.
Between these two couples stood a pair of teenagers, both around thirteen or fourteen. The girl was delicately beautiful, wearing a sky-blue phoenix-patterned smoke gauze soft satin skirt, appearing gentle and lovely. The boy had slightly dark skin but was handsome, with the same flirtatious demeanor as the second young master.
This girl was Xia Jiaojiao from the Xia main branch. The boy was called Xia Jun from the Xia second branch.
At this moment, this whole room of people stood in the hall. Madam Xia first called out: “Yan’er.”
Xia Yan smiled in response: “Mother.” Then she pushed Jiang Chao and Jiang Susu: “Why don’t you greet Grandmother?”
Madam Xia beckoned with a smile: “Chao’er, Susu, come forward and let Grandmother have a good look.”
Jiang Susu and Jiang Chao approached as told. Madam Xia touched their heads, but seeing Jiang Susu’s veil and Jiang Chao’s bandaged right hand, her gaze darkened.
“Sister-in-law has returned! Mother has been talking about you these past days.” Xia eldest daughter-in-law Shen Rou spoke first: “Long time no see—Susu has become even more beautiful.”
At these words, Xia Yan’s expression stiffened involuntarily, and Jiang Susu clenched her hands tightly in her sleeves. Xia Tianyi glared at Shen Rou, while Xia Jiaojiao’s gaze showed some gloating.
Madam Xia ignored her, but Xia Tiancai said: “How long is sister planning to stay this time? Why not stay a few more days?”
“Just bringing Susu and Chao’er back to see Father and Mother.” Xia Yan smiled.
Marquis Xia, who had been silent, suddenly said: “Didn’t the eldest daughter also come? Which one is the eldest daughter?”
Xia Yan smiled: “Ruan’er, come greet Grandfather.”
Jiang Ruan, who had been standing in the shadows, finally spoke softly: “Yes.” She slowly walked forward.
Previously, to deliberately intimidate the other Jiang family daughters, the Xia family had purposely ignored everyone else and only spoke with Xia Yan. Now hearing a gentle response, a red-dressed girl emerged from behind Xia Yan and slowly raised her head.
Red lips, white teeth, captivating glances. Though young, her features held graceful charm without any timidity or childishness, like aged wine—immediately fragrant upon opening.
Xia Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly. Though smiling, he emanated invisible pressure, but the girl before him remained unmoved, still smiling faintly, as if no one could shake her straight spine even slightly.
Xia Cheng was surprised. Given his high position, his every move carried intimidating force. Though not profound, ordinary girls would at least feel afraid. But Jiang Ruan acted as if nothing happened—was she ignorant or terrifyingly scheming?
Thinking of what Xia Yan wrote in her letter, he gained deeper understanding of Jiang Ruan, then suddenly smiled: “Indeed a young lady now, even outshining our Jiaojiao.”
From the moment Xia Jiaojiao saw Jiang Ruan’s appearance, anger rose in her heart. She had always prided herself on her beauty, but normally Jiang Susu already surpassed her. Just when Jiang Susu was disfigured, she encountered this Jiang Ruan whose appearance was no less than Jiang Susu’s. She had thought a daughter raised in rural villages might have decent looks but crude behavior. Now seeing her with noble bearing, she felt completely overshadowed.
Xia Tiancai smiled slightly: “Sister, I didn’t know your residence had such a fairy-like person.”
These words were rather frivolous. Lian Qiao frowned slightly, but Jiang Ruan seemed not to hear, showing no embarrassment. This scene naturally caused various thoughts among the Xia family.
After brief conversation, Xia Yan had maids bring the prepared gifts. Jiang Susu’s handkerchiefs naturally earned everyone’s delight, and Jiang Dan and Jiang Li’s gifts also received praise. Jiang Ruan handed the pastry box Xia Yan prepared for her to Madam Xia, who had servants put it away. Suddenly remembering something: “Since you’ve returned today, the family shrine was renovated last month. Come burn incense for the Xia ancestors. A master said recently that the Xia family faces a great calamity this year, requiring someone born in the fourth month to pray sincerely all night to avert disaster. I heard from Yan’er that Ruan’er was born on the seventh day of the fourth lunar month. Could Ruan’er help Grandmother with this favor and pray in the Xia family shrine all night?”
Lian Qiao wanted to object immediately. Jiang Ruan wasn’t even a Xia family member—what did the Xia family’s calamity have to do with her? Moreover, kneeling in prayer all night in the shrine in this cold weather was clearly ill-intentioned. Even she could tell. Jiang Ruan’s health had been poor from her years at the manor—kneeling all night would cause serious illness if not physical collapse. But before Lian Qiao could speak, she heard Jiang Ruan say: “If I can help, Ruan will certainly do her utmost.”
Madam Xia smiled with satisfaction: “Ruan’er is truly a sensible child.”
Jiang Dan looked at Jiang Ruan, then at the nodding Xia Yan, and lowered her head silently. After more conversation, Madam Xia claimed fatigue and had everyone return to their rooms.
Jiang Susu and Xia Yan first accompanied Jiang Ruan to the shrine, burning incense for the Xia ancestors. Then Xia Yan and Jiang Susu left, leaving only Jiang Ruan to spend the night in the shrine.
Xia Yan looked at her lovingly: “Ruan’er, this is really hard on you. If Chao’er and Susu weren’t still unwell and I didn’t need to care for them, Mother would definitely kneel with you.”
“What are you saying, Mother?” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “We’re mother and daughter after all. Moreover, kneeling here all night is for the Xia family’s blessings. Maybe the heavenly immortals will see my sincerity and grant favors, making all my heart’s desires come true.”
She spoke so innocently, yet her face showed no trace of jest, as if what she said would definitely come true.
“What wishes does Ruan’er have?” Xia Yan asked with a smile.
“I hope Father’s official career rises continuously.”
The higher you climb, the harder you fall.
“I hope Mother stays healthy.”
To live healthily watching everything you’ve built slowly collapse, feeling this pain long and endlessly.
“I hope Big Brother gains fame throughout the world.”
So everyone knows his name, and he becomes a rat everyone wants to beat.
“I hope Second Sister marries a satisfactory husband.”
Then dies at the hands of her most beloved spouse.
“Ancestors of the Xia family,” Jiang Ruan put her palms together, saying softly: “If you can see this believer’s sincerity, let the Jiang residence and Xia residence bloom long and prosperously like Luoyang peonies.”
You will rot, collapse, transform from magnificent residences into the filthiest mud for people to trample. You will scheme and oppress each other, finally dying at your own people’s hands. Heavenly spirits, if you can see Jiang Ruan’s sincerity, let the Jiang residence and Xia residence be like Luoyang peonies—from this moment of prosperity, slowly, slowly, slowly begin withering with unstoppable force.
She spoke each word slowly. Those outwardly magnificent words were like black curses shrouded in deathly gloom. Watching Jiang Ruan’s calm, peaceful profile, Xia Yan suddenly felt fear rise from her heart.
She immediately stood up, barely suppressing her inner panic: “Then tonight we’ll trouble Ruan’er. Mother has matters to attend to and will leave first.”
After Xia Yan fled the shrine, Jiang Ruan slowly stood up from the ground.
Kneel? How could these Xia family scum bear her knees?
She surveyed the surroundings—indeed as Madam Xia said, this shrine was just “renovated.” The floor was the coldest stone slabs, not even a brazier lit, empty and cold. Not even a single lamp was lit, only weak moonlight through the windows. There was even a hole in the roof—whether Madam Xia’s handiwork or not—cold rain drifted through the hole, making one feel even colder.
In such a dark, cold place, only the tablets before her kept her company, with incense burners emitting blue smoke carrying a strange smell. Jiang Ruan took out her handkerchief, stood by the window where there was a hole for air circulation, wetted the handkerchief to cover her mouth and nose, and frowned slightly.
Moments later, Lian Qiao’s voice came from outside: “Miss, this servant brought some food.”
The shrine door opened as Lian Qiao and Shu Xiang entered. Lian Qiao carried a food basket: “I got some steamed buns from the kitchen. Miss hasn’t eaten anything since arriving—we can’t let your health suffer.” She then examined Shu Xiang in the weak moonlight: “Why are you standing there? Come help.”
Lian Qiao was a first-rank maid while Shu Xiang, whom Jiang Ruan had promoted to fill a second-rank maid position, was naturally subordinate. Moreover, Lian Qiao’s usual bold behavior made even the usually flawless Shu Xiang somewhat wary. She properly approached and knelt to open the food basket.
While performing these actions, Shu Xiang never looked up at Jiang Ruan’s expression, so she missed Jiang Ruan’s hand signals to Lian Qiao. As Shu Xiang was taking out the steamed buns, she suddenly felt someone pull her back, covering her mouth and nose with a handkerchief. About to scream, a pungent smell rushed into her nose, her vision went black, and she knew nothing more.
Having worked at the manor for several years, Lian Qiao was stronger than ordinary maids. Looking at Shu Xiang collapsed on the ground, she asked: “Miss?”
“Strip off her outer garments.” Jiang Ruan said.
Lian Qiao efficiently stripped Shu Xiang’s clothes and handed them to Jiang Ruan, who put them on and stood up.
“Just leave Shu Xiang here like this?” Lian Qiao felt somewhat soft-hearted.
“If the Xia family has no other plans, she’s just sleeping here for me one night.” Jiang Ruan said coldly: “If they have other intentions, Shu Xiang is Xia Yan’s person anyway—let them fight among themselves.”
Lian Qiao thought about it and nodded: “You’re right. The Xia family is too evil, making Miss kneel alone in this place all night—clearly wanting Miss to fall seriously ill. Such vicious intentions!” Looking at Shu Xiang again: “Let Shu Xiang kneel in the shrine for Miss one night. Compared to what she’s done to Miss, this isn’t excessive. Fortunately Miss had this servant get sleeping drugs from the pharmacy to keep on hand for emergencies—really useful.”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. If the Xia family only planned to make her catch cold, Shu Xiang would naturally be fine. Unfortunately, the Xia family probably didn’t think so simply. She glanced at the blue smoke from the incense burner: “Let’s go to your servants’ quarters first.”
In the night, two maid-dressed figures emerged from the shrine. One maid’s voice was crisp and indignant: “Our miss is so pitiful, kneeling in the shrine all night—it’ll definitely ruin her health. Shu Xiang, don’t you think so too?”
The other maid hummed in agreement.
In the blurry night, rustling sounds came from the woods around the shrine, as if someone was leaving.
In another room of the Xia residence, veiled Jiang Susu sipped tea and said to the young man before her: “Cousin, have you decided? My eldest sister is a top-tier beauty. I just feel such a good person suits Cousin perfectly, so I wanted to help you both.”
Xia Jun looked at her. Though flirtatious, he carried arrogance: “Put away your little schemes. Do you think I don’t know your thoughts?”
Jiang Susu’s eyes flashed with annoyance: “Cousin, do you agree to this or not?” Among the Xia family, if there was anyone Jiang Susu feared most, it was this Xia Jun. Though young, he was already extremely promiscuous, well-versed in sexual matters, with a sinister nature. Once Jiang Susu hid in Xia Jun’s room wanting to play, but instead witnessed Xia Jun molesting his personal maid with brutal methods while she screamed continuously. Hiding under the bed and hearing this made Jiang Susu’s heart pound with fear, and since then she viewed this cousin with terror. Xia Jun didn’t treat her like other men with tender affection, always cold and mocking.
“Why should I listen to your commands?” Xia Jun asked back.
Jiang Susu pinched her palm to steady herself: “If Cousin must miss this opportunity, I can only feel regret. Susu knows Cousin has always appreciated women with special talents and extraordinary character. My eldest sister is one in a hundred. In a few years, who knows what kind of family Father will promise her to—but looking at her appearance and character, it’ll definitely be a high-ranking household. If Cousin doesn’t seize the opportunity, regretting it later will be too late.” She smiled slightly: “Better think it through.”
Xia Jun’s gaze deepened, remembering the red-dressed girl in the room earlier—advancing and retreating appropriately, clearly smiling on the surface yet seeming to emanate bone-deep coldness, making one unconsciously want to conquer her. To see if the skin under those red clothes was as delicious as her face.
His voice grew hoarse: “What do you want?”
“My eldest sister is kneeling in the shrine all night tonight. Why doesn’t Cousin go keep her company? This way, my eldest sister will surely view Cousin differently—she might even give her heart.” Jiang Susu said.
Xia Jun looked at Jiang Susu and suddenly smiled: “Thank you for cousin’s guidance.” Standing up: “Cousin should also rest early. We’ll meet tomorrow.”
After Xia Jun left, Jiang Susu sat at the table, reached up to remove her veil, and stroked the ugly scar on her white skin, murmuring: “Jiang Ruan, how does it feel to be accused of impropriety with someone in a shrine like that? Tomorrow morning, I want to see how you cover this up!”
Hudie’s heart jumped: “Miss, shouldn’t you discuss this with Madam? Should this servant go ask?”
“Shut up.” Jiang Susu scolded: “Mother always says she’ll get revenge for me, but never succeeds. This time, I’ll do it myself.”
Outside, Xia Jun walked toward the shrine, his accompanying servant asking carefully: “Young Master really plans to comfort Miss Jiang at the shrine? Second Miss’s words seem strange—probably not that simple.”
“Naturally not that simple.” Xia Jun’s mouth curved up: “I know exactly what Jiang Susu is thinking, but it’s not bad. I’ll ‘comfort’ Miss Jiang well.”
The shrine door creaked open.
It was deep night, rain falling harder, the moon hidden behind black clouds. The shrine was pitch black except for the incense on the altar table emitting sparks and rising blue smoke.
That incense had a strange fragrance, not like ordinary incense. Having burned for most of the night, the room was filled with heavy fragrance.
Upon entering, Xia Jun smelled this incense and felt his body heating up, palms growing dry, unconsciously licking his lips. He slowly groped inside until his feet stumbled over someone.
He paused, crouched down to feel, touching only a warm, soft body. Shaking it gently showed no movement—apparently unconscious. Thinking for a moment, he suddenly grinned. His body’s heat intensified. Xia Jun unbuttoned two of his shirt buttons, then directly reached toward the body in his arms.
The sound of tearing fabric echoed in the room.