Yuping Hall was already filled with various ladies and misses, nearly all relatives of high officials and nobles with imperial honors. Many nobles in the palace also attended to them. Everyone engaged in elegant, quiet conversations – neither too restrained nor too presumptuous.

The Empress sat in the center of the high seat, while the Four Consorts smiled and sat in order below her. They also smiled while observing the ladies and misses below, occasionally exchanging pleasantries with an appearance of great warmth.

When the announcing little eunuch called out loudly: “The wife of the Minister’s residence has arrived—”

Everyone’s gazes turned toward the entrance in unison.

Minister of War Jiang Quan had recently been quite prominent in the capital, not for other reasons but because the returned Young Master Jiang was currently the Great Jin Dynasty’s fastest-promoted and youngest deputy general. Moreover, since returning to the capital, he had repeatedly achieved merit and was said to be highly valued by His Majesty. He would likely have smooth official advancement and a bright future – truly a dragon among men. The various ladies had heard their husbands mention him, and among the present misses, many had reached marriageable age. Some with plans hoped to form marriage connections with the Jiang family. Now hearing that Minister Jiang’s family had arrived, they naturally directed their gazes over.

Xia Yan and the others truly thought the ladies were looking at her, unconsciously straightening their backs more, their smiles both gentle and dignified as they walked very steadily.

Everyone watched silently. Xia Yan and Jiang Susu both appeared gentle and elegant, Jiang Li was spirited but slightly frivolous, Jiang Dan was timid and couldn’t handle grand occasions. However, Jiang Ruan walking behind Xia Yan stepped neither hurriedly nor slowly, her lips curved in a smile that was both bright and charming, yet her every movement carried the noble bearing that only palace people possessed.

Seeing this, people remembered that Xia Yan wasn’t Jiang Xinzhi’s birth mother after all, while Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xinzhi were true siblings. If Jiang Xinzhi advanced and prospered in the future, Jiang Ruan would rise with him. Looking at how Jiang Ruan conducted herself appropriately, showing no nervousness even at such grand palace banquet occasions – where was the rustic character one would expect from someone raised on a country estate? Some ladies began having other thoughts, wondering whether they should arrange for this Jiang family eldest miss to join their households early.

Xia Yan and the others stepped forward to pay respects to the Empress and nobles. The Empress was past forty but well-maintained, not appearing very old. Having held high position for years, she lacked an imperious air – perhaps because she wasn’t favored, having only the Emperor’s respect and the Crown Prince as her son. At first glance, she seemed no different from ordinary officials’ wives. She smiled and told Xia Yan and the others to rise, her expression very kind and warm.

Virtuous Consort appeared somewhat younger, seeming naive and charming with an innocent unworldliness – no wonder she bore the Fourth Prince Xuan Lang, a son of such mediocre talents. Virtuous Consort De was older, sitting dignified and virtuous, truly deserving the character “virtue.” The Fifth Prince Xuan Hua’s reputation in court was also very solid – loyal, filial, brave, and resolute, at least a virtuous person.

Pure Consort was born beautiful and charming. If Consort Chen was like misty Jiangnan rain, Pure Consort was like a bright spot on foreign grasslands. Her nature was also quite willful and fierce. Princess He Yi inherited her beauty and temperament, being equally willful and domineering.

The most gentle and beautiful one sitting beside the Empress was Consort Chen. While the Empress and other consorts still possessed the bearing of palace nobles, this one was like an ordinary Jiangnan maiden, without the slightest trace of artifice. Sitting here, she seemed incompatible with the imperial palace, as if bringing the entire area into Jiangnan’s misty rain.

Jiang Ruan smiled and bowed down, but her heart seemed to freeze in that instant. Everyone seated above were old acquaintances from her previous life, though she had been too lowly to often see these consorts. However, Consort Chen was an exception.

She not only wouldn’t mock and demean her like other palace consorts but often summoned her to Simeng Palace for conversation. Consort Chen was gentle by nature and Xuan Li’s birth mother. In her previous life, Jiang Ruan regarded her as both close friend and sister – a trustworthy relative in the cold palace.

However, what this Consort Chen did behind the scenes ultimately made everything seem like a joke. She was like a poisonous beautiful snake, hiding deadly traps within gentleness. She and Xuan Li were the same type of people – thoroughly cold, utilizing others completely without reservation, then abandoning and killing them.

Consort Chen looked at Xia Yan and the others, suddenly speaking: “You must be Miss Jiang. Come forward and let this palace see you.”

The Empress was startled, looking thoughtfully at Jiang Ruan. Jiang Li looked at Jiang Ruan unwillingly, unable to hide her jealousy. Jiang Dan lowered her head, not daring to look up. Jiang Susu’s expression stiffened, seeming somewhat incredulous. Jiang Ruan slowly raised her head. In the moment of lifting her head, she withdrew the smile from her lips, revealing a somewhat cold countenance.

Consort Chen examined her carefully, seeming not to notice her displeasure, smiling: “Truly a beautiful child.”

Seeing this scene, the surrounding ladies began whispering quietly. Dong Ying’er sitting nearby felt uneasy, remembering her mother’s previous mention of Consort Chen’s intention to select a consort for the Eighth Prince, and couldn’t help sweating for Jiang Ruan.

Jiang Ruan said coolly: “Thank you for Your Ladyship’s excessive praise. Ruan doesn’t dare accept such honor.”

Her words lacked warmth, not even basic respect, only a faint resistance. Hearing this resistant attitude, Consort Chen paused briefly. After a moment, her smile became even more affectionate: “I wonder, Madam Jiang, is the eldest miss betrothed?”

Xia Yan’s body stiffened, a nameless fire immediately rising in her heart. Jiang Ruan – it was Jiang Ruan again! Who was this Consort Chen? The woman currently most favored by the Emperor in the palace. Yet the first Jiang family daughter she inquired about was Jiang Ruan, not Jiang Susu. Were all these people blind? Jiang Ruan had a fox-like seductive face – clearly not a peaceful type.

However, despite her countless thoughts, her expression showed nothing. She still answered respectfully: “Replying to Your Ladyship, Ruan is only eleven this year and hasn’t been promised to anyone.”

“Ah, that’s good.” The smile on Consort Chen’s beautiful face became more sincere. That white, smooth face seemed covered with a light mist, her emotions impossible to guess. She spoke shockingly: “Such an adorable child naturally shouldn’t be casually married off. This palace quite likes Miss Jiang – I truly wish to personally arrange her marriage.”

These words were too explicit. The surrounding ladies couldn’t help showing complex expressions of surprise and understanding. Virtuous Consort watched Jiang Ruan with interest, Virtuous Consort De remained impassive, the Empress smiled without moving, but Pure Consort couldn’t help speaking: “What is Sister Chen saying? Regarding marriage, it ultimately depends on the young lady’s own preferences. Has Sister Chen also reached an age where she enjoys doing matchmakers’ work?”

Pure Consort and Consort Chen had never gotten along. Pure Consort couldn’t stand Consort Chen’s submissive, otherworldly appearance. More importantly, she envied Consort Chen having such a brilliant and talented son as Xuan Li. What emerged from her womb was unfortunately a daughter, meaning no matter how favored she was, she would never have a son as heir apparent. Though the Fifth Prince also had considerable support, Virtuous Consort De wasn’t favored and was actually quite low-key. By comparison, Pure Consort most detested Consort Chen. Whatever Consort Chen said, Pure Consort would retort.

Hearing Pure Consort’s words, Consort Chen didn’t become angry but only looked at Jiang Ruan with a smile, saying nothing. She was naturally born with gentle features. Smiling so tenderly at someone, those unaware would think she truly loved Jiang Ruan and couldn’t bear to look away.

Jiang Ruan’s gaze lowered slightly, not meeting Consort Chen’s eyes. Outsiders thought she was shy, but no one knew the surging hatred in her heart at this moment. In just a few short minutes, like masters crossing swords, the attending ladies and misses couldn’t discern anything, but only Jiang Ruan knew what she was truly thinking. Where was tenderness in Consort Chen’s gaze? It was clearly a venomous snake eyeing its prey.

A venomous snake? She naturally had ways to deal with that.

With Consort Chen showing such “deep affection” for Jiang Ruan, Xia Yan felt extremely frustrated. Her subsequent responses became somewhat perfunctory, ultimately revealing some unwillingness. In normal times it wouldn’t matter, but with Master Hui Jue’s previous mention of the ill-fated star, people had begun doubting her formerly performed virtuous magnanimity. Now with this behavior, everyone was more certain that the Minister’s wife was actually sweet-faced but bitter-hearted. Otherwise, why would she seem unhappy, even somewhat displeased, when Consort Chen specifically inquired about Jiang Ruan?

After Consort Chen asked a few more questions, the Empress gestured for Jiang Ruan to withdraw. Just as Jiang Ruan sat down with Xia Yan, Dong Ying’er stood and sat beside Jiang Ruan, whispering: “I was so worried for you just now. Are you alright?” She then said admiringly: “Sister Ruan, you’re truly bold. I saw you speaking with Consort Chen without the slightest nervousness. If it were me, I’d probably be too frightened to speak.”

Jiang Ruan smiled: “There’s nothing to fear. I did nothing wrong, so I won’t be punished.”

Dong Ying’er said hesitantly: “But… Consort Chen seems to like you very much. Is she planning to match you with the Eighth Prince?” Realizing these words were somewhat presumptuous, Dong Ying’er looked anxiously at Jiang Ruan. Seeing Jiang Ruan’s expression unchanged, she relaxed slightly: “Consort Chen rarely shows such interest in people ordinarily. Today she specifically talked with you for so long. Sister Ruan, don’t blame me for overthinking – I’m afraid all the attending ladies now have the same thoughts as me. If that’s truly the case, what would you do?”

“Truly what case?” Jiang Ruan asked back. “It won’t happen.” Her tone lacked its usual gentleness, carrying a faint chill that made Dong Ying’er’s heart skip. Thinking Jiang Ruan was angry and unwilling to marry the Eighth Prince, she quickly said: “You needn’t worry too much. I’m just guessing wildly. Perhaps Consort Chen simply likes you. You’re still so young – even if it were true, there’s no rush.”

This comfort was too pale and powerless, making Dong Ying’er feel guilty. But Jiang Ruan showed no particular emotions throughout, as if coldly observing others’ affairs.

After a while longer, seeing the time was appropriate, the Empress rose and called all the ladies and misses to go together to the main hall to begin the palace banquet.

In the main hall, the Emperor and male family members had already taken their positions. Because the flood had just passed and the national treasury had become somewhat strained from disaster relief, the banquet was kept simple without extravagance, greatly different from past magnificent displays. Even the dishes and pastries at the banquet were quite simple.

The female family members sat at the women’s seats. The Emperor and Empress sat on the high platform, with the current Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager Yide, beside them.

Empress Dowager Yide was now sixty years old with silver streaks at her temples. Her turquoise gold silk jade-inlaid auspicious cloud pattern buttons were magnificent and dignified. Even from Empress Dowager Yide’s current face, one could vaguely see her former charm. Empress Dowager Yide had once been called the Great Jin Dynasty’s greatest beauty. Her features carried slight heroic spirit. In her youth, she bore two sons and one daughter with the late Emperor. During the Eight Princes’ struggle for succession, she suppressed rebellious princes and helped the current Emperor ascend the throne, sacrificing her eldest son and even having her daughter Princess Yuanrong marry into a foreign country to borrow troops for the Great Jin and support the new Emperor’s ascension. Without Empress Dowager Yide, there would be no current Great Jin Dynasty or Emperor. Empress Dowager Yide was a decisive person, even somewhat ruthless.

She looked coolly at everyone below, the ruby fingernail guards on her fingers emitting compelling luster. When she saw someone among the female family members, Empress Dowager Yide suddenly trembled, unconsciously straightening as she looked toward that person.

It was a still young-looking girl. Because she sat in the lower seats, her face wasn’t clearly visible – only her black hair top could be seen. She wore a simple single spiral bun with a magnificently colored rose hairpin. Her peach-pink dress was simple and vibrant, appearing especially fresh and lovely among all the elaborately dressed young ladies.

Though too far away, the girl seemed to suddenly sense Empress Dowager Yide’s gaze and suddenly looked up. Upon clearly seeing Empress Dowager Yide’s expression, she showed no panic. After slight surprise, she returned a smile to Empress Dowager Yide – a clean, clear smile with a stability and understanding beyond her years.

It overlapped with another person in Empress Dowager Yide’s memory.

She barely restrained her impulse to walk down and take hold of that girl. After smiling, the girl resumed talking with surrounding misses, seeming to pay no attention to this side. Empress Dowager Yide sat straight in her seat, slightly lost in thought.

While talking with Dong Ying’er, Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but curve her lips slightly. From the corner of her eye, she saw Empress Dowager Yide sitting motionless, still feeling her gaze following her.

Jiang Ruan lifted her tea cup and took a light sip, seeing that her initial goal was achieved. To know that for this simple purpose, this simple action, she had practiced dozens of times in front of the mirror overnight.

The male family members’ section had apparently already received rewards. Seeing Jiang Xinzhi’s smiling eyes, the rewards must have been quite generous. However, Jiang Quan’s expression wasn’t very good. With male and female family members seated separately, Gu Yi hadn’t seen Jiang Ruan since last time. Now seeing Jiang Ruan seated among the female family members, growing more beautiful with each passing day, his gaze was extremely passionate.

Xuan Li’s lips carried a gentle smile, seeming no different from usual. But his left hand unconsciously rubbed – an action he often did when agitated. Obviously, despite trying hard to appear nonchalant about the Prime Minister’s residence matter, he couldn’t hide his inner gloom.

Xiao Shao sat beside Guan Lianghan. Today he wore black brocade with gold kirin embroidered at the collar – the fire-treading, wind-burning design made his temperament appear even more aloof and his appearance incomparably handsome. Many daughters among the female family members secretly stole glances at him.

Before long, another beautiful young lady arrived from outside. This girl was about fourteen or fifteen, wearing feather-blue cluster flower all-over gold chicken-heart collar facing straight-collar brocade, trailing silver-red dark pattern carved silk everything-as-wished ground-trailing skirt, draped in five-colored flower and grass pattern thin gauze ten-样锦. This was already very magnificent attire, yet wearing such clothing, she didn’t appear jumbled but had a kind of brilliant beauty. Her features were deeply carved with exotic charm. Walking forward, she smiled: “Father.”

“He Yi, why are you only arriving now?” the Emperor scolded, though his tone was very affectionate. Princess He Yi was deeply loved by the Emperor.

“Your daughter spent too much time choosing clothes – couldn’t disgrace Father,” Princess He Yi winked at the Emperor. The Emperor laughed heartily. Her gaze swept across the male family section. Seeing Xiao Shao, her heart jumped, but fallen flowers have intention while flowing water is heartless – Xiao Shao never looked at her once, causing disappointment to flash in Princess He Yi’s eyes.

Dong Ying’er nudged Jiang Ruan’s arm: “Sister Ruan, do you think Princess He Yi really likes Prince Xiao?” Dong Ying’er always loved hearing such gossip. With ready material at hand, she naturally wouldn’t miss the opportunity.

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. In her previous life, Princess He Yi’s infatuation with Xiao Shao was no secret – nearly everyone in the Great Jin Dynasty knew. Princess He Yi had sworn to marry only Xiao Shao for life, even wanting Pure Consort to persuade the Emperor for an imperial marriage decree. But between his beloved Princess He Yi and Xiao Shao, the Emperor surprisingly chose Xiao Shao, asking his opinion first. Xiao Shao, being aloof by nature, naturally refused. After hearing of Xiao Shao’s refusal, Princess He Yi sought death daily, even personally going to Prince Jinying’s residence for an explanation, but the other party remained unmoved like stone. In her previous life until the end, Princess He Yi never achieved anything with Xiao Shao.

Jiang Ruan’s gaze lowered. Princess He Yi’s experience was lamentable, but that didn’t include her sympathy. Because in her previous life in the palace, Princess He Yi had often created difficulties for her. Princess He Yi was narrow-minded and extremely jealous. When Jiang Ruan entered the palace, she was the most beautiful among that group of selected women. She was incomparably charming, while Princess He Yi was strikingly beautiful, unwilling to have anyone steal her spotlight. She often had people create trouble for her, even once falsely accusing a maid in her courtyard of theft, having all the second-class palace maids in her courtyard beaten to death. That scene had appeared countless times in Jiang Ruan’s dreams, terrifying her extremely each time.

Not one of these old palace friends was kind to others.

Just then, the Empress Dowager suddenly spoke coolly: “Deputy General Jiang, you said today that tomorrow is your sister’s birthday?”

Previously, Empress Dowager Yide hadn’t avoided the conversation with male family members. She and the Emperor had good relations and needed no precautions. Bringing this up now was thought-provoking.

Jiang Ruan was slightly startled. She had forgotten her own birthday. In her previous life after entering the palace, except for Xuan Li visiting on her birthday, others lost contact. But even that warmth was false. Now in another life, Jiang Xinzhi had actually mentioned her birthday before the Emperor – she didn’t know what to feel.

“Replying to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, that’s correct,” Jiang Xinzhi stepped forward.

“Where is the Jiang family’s eldest daughter?” Empress Dowager Yide, having experienced the rebellious princes’ war, carried faint authority in her voice.

Jiang Ruan stood out, gently saying: “Subject daughter Jiang Ruan pays respects to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager.” She then bowed down.

Her movements were proper and humble, even containing inexplicable reverence. Though clearly the ordinary ceremony for officials’ family members meeting the Empress Dowager, it somehow contained mysterious emotions – extremely solemn, not like a greeting but rather having a farewell flavor.

Empress Dowager Yide watched her quietly, seeing that white neck lowered, the rose hairpin swaying, the peach-colored clothing bright and lively. Such a charming, moving girl emanated steady aura throughout her body. Very much like that person.

Her eyes became somewhat dazed.

Seeing the Empress Dowager lost in thought, the Emperor coughed lightly. Empress Dowager Yide seemed to recover. Looking at Jiang Ruan, she said: “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager.” Jiang Ruan stood up. She tried hard to ignore pressure from the nearby Emperor, only looking at Empress Dowager Yide with a gentle smile. Born extremely beautiful, deliberately maintaining a gentle smile at her lips, she actually had more princess temperament than actual princesses.

Everyone around was red-eyed with envy. Empress Dowager Yide was iron-handed and usually didn’t associate with people. Why had Jiang Ruan gained her favor? Everyone was completely puzzled. Jiang Xinzhi watched Jiang Ruan quite nervously. Though he had mentioned Jiang Ruan, he hadn’t expected Empress Dowager Yide to suddenly speak. Imperial family members’ thoughts were hardly guessable. He couldn’t help feeling nervous.

Below, Jiang Susu’s and Xia Yan’s expressions weren’t very good. Today first Consort Chen, now Empress Dowager Yide – Jiang Ruan had truly stolen all the attention. Simultaneously, they had doubts. Setting aside Consort Chen, why did Empress Dowager Yide value Jiang Ruan so much? Did she truly favor Jiang Ruan as a prince’s consort? Which prince – the Eighth Prince, Fifth Prince, or perhaps Fourth Prince?

“Jiang family’s eldest daughter, this dowager promises Deputy General Jiang to fulfill your birthday wish. Whatever wish you have tomorrow, you may speak today – this dowager will fulfill it,” Empress Dowager Yide said.

So it was about the birthday wish. Presumably Jiang Xinzhi had mentioned it before the Emperor, or exchanged his merits for a birthday wish for Jiang Ruan. Whatever protection Jiang Ruan wanted, she could now speak.

Xia Yan and Jiang Susu relaxed. As long as she wasn’t being considered as a prince’s consort, that was good. If Jiang Ruan truly became a prince’s consort, she certainly wouldn’t show the Jiang residence any kindness.

However, the smile at Consort Chen’s lips seemed somewhat wrong. If Jiang Ruan took this opportunity to propose marrying some young master…

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, her tone somewhat melancholy: “Your Majesty the Empress Dowager shows mercy. Ruan has no desires, only wishing to go with mother to Ningshui Valley to see the newly bloomed peach blossoms.”

“But this wish can never be fulfilled.” She smiled bitterly. Empress Dowager Yide suddenly looked up sharply.