Mount Jianan was perpetually covered in snow that never melted. The mountain was high and the valleys deep, and even though it was already summer, it still looked as if the ice and snow had just begun to thaw. The mountain stream flowed slowly with fragments of ice, washing over the brightly colored pebbles on both banks. The pine forests were covered with glittering ice crystals, and at a glance, it resembled the scenery of the northern lands.
Xiao Shao passed through the plum blossom formation at the foot of the mountain and walked toward the Lüyang Manor at the mountain peak.
The plum blossom formation was personally set up by Master Baqi. It consisted of eight rings that extended from the foot of the mountain to the peak. Except for disciples of the sect, outsiders could not break through the formation. Xiao Shao had come many times and was quite familiar with the route. As soon as he entered through the main gate outside Lüyang Manor, the green-feathered large parrot kept at the entrance began flapping its wings and calling loudly: “Someone’s here! Someone’s here!”
Unlike the scenery on Mount Jianan, Lüyang Manor was filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers everywhere, with a hundred flowers in full bloom, truly like early spring. Xiao Shao walked into the manor. The vast manor was exquisitely and ingeniously maintained, yet completely empty of people. After a moment, a deep voice came from the courtyard: “Ah Shao?”
That voice was melodious like a great bell, seeming near at hand, but upon careful listening, it also seemed to come from a very distant place, ethereal and unclear. Xiao Shao walked toward the courtyard. Under a pear tree, he saw a white-bearded old man in gray robes sitting at a chess table, holding a box of chess pieces in his hands.
“Master.” Xiao Shao walked over to him.
This gray-robed old man was precisely Master Baqi, now at the age of seventy, with an immortal and transcendent appearance, though his pair of eyes were sharp and wise. Without lifting his head, he concentrated on studying the chess game before him and said: “Returned from the Southern Border?”
“Yes.” After returning from the Southern Border, Xiao Shao had been busy dealing with various matters daily. Master Baqi had also been in seclusion, so it was only in these past few days that he found an opportunity to make a trip to Mount Jianan, just when Master Baqi should be coming out of seclusion.
Master Baqi put down the chess box in his hands and finally looked up. Master Baqi had taken in eight disciples in total, with Xiao Shao ranking third. When Xiao Shao first came to the mountain, he was still just a silent youth who didn’t like to talk. He came together with Guan Lianghan—Guan Lianghan learned military formations, while Xiao Shao learned the art of medicine. However, in less than a few years, the old Prince Jinying and his wife had their accident, and Xiao Shao’s temperament became even more cold and withdrawn. He actively requested Master Baqi to stop learning medicine and from then on only learned to kill.
Xiao Shao had exceptional talent and was naturally suited for martial arts. Killing came especially easily to him. After completing his training and descending the mountain in his first year, he went alone deep into the Southern Border and took the head of the Southern Border’s leader at that time. His temperament was cold and withdrawn, his courage considerable, his strikes always fatal, and he had no attachments whatsoever. There was no one in the world more suitable to be an assassin than Xiao Shao, but Master Baqi had only said at the time: “Ah Shao, you are not the world’s greatest assassin.” Xiao Shao asked: “Why?”
Master Baqi answered: “Your blood is not cold enough.”
Xiao Shao was someone who valued relationships most highly. Master Baqi could see this clearly. Among the eight fellow disciples originally, although Xiao Shao was usually cold and aloof, he would look after his fellow disciples most of the time. A person with righteousness cannot be an assassin. Xiao Shao was not an excellent assassin.
Master Baqi looked at Xiao Shao for a while, then suddenly asked: “Ah Shao, have you encountered any special person in these years?”
When Xiao Shao left the capital three years ago, Master Baqi was still in seclusion, so he hadn’t bid him farewell. Speaking of it, master and disciple had actually not seen each other for a full three years.
Xiao Shao thought for a moment: “No.”
“Think carefully.” Master Baqi asked again.
Xiao Shao frowned slightly. There was no word “special” in his life. In three years, he had encountered countless people, so naturally he didn’t know what Master Baqi meant.
“Master, what are you trying to say?” Xiao Shao asked.
Master Baqi stroked his long white beard under his chin and said: “Three years ago, before your master went into seclusion, I cast a divination for you. The person who will change your fate should have already appeared.”
“What person?” Xiao Shao asked.
“This person comes for revenge, yet also for repaying kindness. Living and dying, dying and living. She sees clearly all the various actions in this world. Heaven’s mandate changes because of her. Your master also doesn’t know whether it’s fortune or misfortune.”
Xiao Shao remained silent. Master Baqi’s words were too vague, and he couldn’t comprehend anything from them. He thought for a while before speaking: “What does this have to do with me?”
Master Baqi’s expression became slightly more serious: “Her life is entangled with yours, arising and ending according to cause and effect. Because of her appearance, in this lifetime you will escape the fate of solitary malevolence. However, your destiny will thereby become that of kings and nobles, with the Purple Forbidden Star falling. You will lose your imperial destiny because of her.”
If these words were to spread, it would surely cost heads. However, Lüyang Manor was empty, Master Baqi spoke leisurely, and Xiao Shao listened calmly.
“I understand.” Xiao Shao replied. Imperial destiny was superfluous to him anyway. He had never looked straight at that position, so his expression didn’t change in the slightest after Master Baqi finished speaking.
Master Baqi sighed: “She has already appeared.”
Xiao Shao frowned slightly. However, Master Baqi never explained divination results too clearly. The so-called heavenly secrets cannot be revealed; revealing too many heavenly secrets would inevitably bring retribution.
Master Baqi said: “Forget it. The divination shows that your master will also have one meeting with her. Eventually, your master will also see her once. At that time, her past life’s karmic cycle will naturally appear.” He paused, seeming to have more to say, but finally swallowed it back. Looking at Xiao Shao, he said: “The Southern Border’s venomous insects are fierce. Did you fall victim to any?”
“I did not,” Xiao Shao said. “Master’s antidotes are still with me.” Speaking of this, Xiao Shao felt slight gratitude toward Master Baqi in his heart. When he had been determined to learn the way of killing, he had wanted to abandon his previous medical arts. It was Master Baqi who personally refused and taught him that he couldn’t neglect either skill. Since ancient times, there had never been an assassin who practiced medicine—the matter of killing people while saving people was unheard of. Looking at it now, his missions were dangerous, and what he usually did involved constant life-and-death situations. Having an additional medical skill had provided much convenience during his travels over the years.
Master Baqi smiled slightly: “The hour is still early. Since you’ve come, first play a game with your master.” Having said this, he gently waved his sleeve, and all the chess pieces on the board suddenly flew into the chess box in perfect order, not one missing.
Master Baqi picked up a white piece, Xiao Shao held a black piece, and both dropped their stones simultaneously.
“Your master has warned you to seize the initiative.” Master Baqi’s voice came from far away.
…
On summer afternoons, the cicadas chirped incessantly, making it impossible to rest properly even during breaks. Several third-class maids climbed the trees in the courtyard to catch cicadas. Jiang Ruan had just finished eating an evening meal of chilled fruit dew when she heard Lu Zhu come over and say: “Miss, Marquis Xia and the Eighth Prince have come to the mansion. The master is asking you to go accompany the female relatives in conversation.”
Since the ancestral hall incident, Xia Cheng had never come to the Jiang mansion again. The matter of Xia Jun was ultimately a thorn in the Xia family’s heart. Jiang Ruan had been away from the capital for three years. Hearing Lu Zhu speak this way, it seemed that several of the Xia family’s madams had also come. Xia Jiaojiao and Xia Jun hated Jiang Ruan like a thorn in their eye, yet now they actually stepped into the Jiang mansion again. It seemed that in three years, the relationship between the Xia and Jiang families had somewhat eased.
Lu Zhu said urgently: “What does the master mean by this? There’s naturally the madam to accompany and converse with guests outside. What can the miss do by going? Are any of those Xia family people easy to get along with?”
Jiang Ruan shook her head: “It doesn’t matter. Tianzhu, how is that doctor from a few days ago?”
“Xia Yan sent people to pursue and kill him. This subordinate rescued him and currently has him confined in the storage room of the servants’ courtyard. Does the miss wish to use him?”
“Have him ready,” Jiang Ruan stood up. “Today she brought the Xia family people here. Perfect—I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.”
In the main hall, Jiang Quan was talking with Xuan Li and Xia Cheng. Over these years, Xuan Li had been diligent and conscientious, with outstanding political achievements, and was usually skilled at conducting himself. The Emperor, who had been angry at him in previous years over Li An’s matter, had gradually changed his opinion of him. Plus, Consort Chen had been currying favor and becoming increasingly favored. In recent years, the Fifth Prince had gradually fallen behind, while Xuan Li’s support had gradually risen again. The Crown Prince had repeatedly made mistakes, and the matter of deposing the Crown Prince was clearly about to be put on the agenda—it was just a matter of sooner or later. The matter of establishing a new Crown Prince had also become a major concern for current court officials, and those who could take sides naturally took their respective sides. Obviously, the Xia and Jiang families naturally stood with the Eighth Prince’s faction.
Xuan Li’s smile was gentle and refined. In his conversation, he was both modest and full of ambition. The more Xia Cheng and Jiang Quan looked at him, the more they felt their choice was correct. Xuan Li had talent for governing the world and was currently the unparalleled master under heaven.
On the other side, Xia Yan was accompanying Xia family’s eldest madam Shen Rou in conversation. Shen Rou looked at Xia Yan’s belly and smiled: “Sister-in-law’s belly is becoming more prominent. When I was pregnant with Jiaojiao, it wasn’t this large. Perhaps it’s twins.”
Xia Yan’s face stiffened, and she smiled bitterly in her heart. Twins—her child had already died, so where would twins come from? Just thinking of that night’s miscarriage made Xia Yan wish she could tear Hong Ying and Jiang Ruan to pieces. Although she didn’t know exactly how those two pieces of silk had been exchanged, she could be certain that these two had done something. Xia Yan’s eyes flashed slightly. Let them laugh—let them laugh all they want. In a while, she’d make them unable to cry even if they wanted to.
Although Shen Rou was a woman who had already given birth, she appeared increasingly beautiful and voluptuous, with quite a bit of mature woman’s charm. This made the recently miscarried Xia Yan look pale and sallow by comparison, as if she had aged ten years overnight.
Shen Rou examined Xia Yan and was quite puzzled in her heart. Xia Yan should be living well in the Jiang mansion now, so why did she look so haggard? Where was her former elegant and refined talented woman appearance? Thinking again of the rumors she’d heard about Jiang Quan’s favoritism toward the courtesan-born concubine in the mansion, she understood. It seemed she lacked the ability to hold her man’s heart. Shen Rou had never liked Xia Yan’s aloof and magnanimous appearance. Seeing her now, she offered a few comforting words on the surface but was actually gloating inwardly.
The young lady on the other side suddenly spoke up: “Why hasn’t Jiang Ruan arrived yet? Could this be the Jiang family’s way of treating guests?” This young lady wore a light purple cloud-pattern crepe robe and a smoke-cloud butterfly skirt. She was born with beauty like flowers and moon, quite charming, but her speech was somewhat irritable. This was the eldest branch of the Xia family’s daughter, Shen Rou’s biological daughter, Xia Jiaojiao.
“This county princess received no invitation from the madam earlier, nor did I hear of any need to accompany guests. I was unaware that guests were coming, so how could I provide proper attendance?” The voice sounded from outside the door. The people in the room looked up and saw Jiang Ruan approaching gracefully.
Xia Jiaojiao bit her lower lip tightly, her eyes staring deadly at Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan wore a simple Su embroidered lunar splendor brocade shirt. Her skin was white as snow, her lips red and teeth white, and her pair of eyes were startlingly charming. Xia Jiaojiao originally had seven parts beauty, but under comparison with Jiang Ruan, she had less than one part remaining. Xia Jiaojiao was extremely annoyed, and what made her even more furious was the mockery in Jiang Ruan’s words. Indeed, they had come without sending an invitation first, and second, had never said they wanted Jiang Ruan to accompany them. Now blaming others for arriving late was unreasonable in every way.
“Ruan’er, you’ve finally come. Jiaojiao has wanted to see you for so long.” Xia Yan smiled and changed the subject, still feeling somewhat uncertain in her heart. She had originally thought it would take considerable effort to get Jiang Ruan to come out, and had even thought of various reasons, but unexpectedly none of these reasons were needed—Jiang Ruan had readily agreed to come. However, this was also perfect, convenient for her next move.
Xia Jiaojiao pursed her lips, quite dismissive of Xia Yan’s words. Shen Rou was also carefully examining Jiang Ruan. When Jiang Ruan had come to the Xia mansion initially, she had only regarded Jiang Ruan as an easily manipulated orphan girl. But it was this seemingly easily manipulated young lady who had made Xia Jun suffer losses. Now she had transformed into the current dynasty’s county princess. These three years, she had heard that Jiang Ruan was quite favored by the Empress Dowager and should have received quite a lot of rewards. Shen Rou began calculating in her heart. Xia Cheng intended to betroth Jiang Ruan to Xia Jun. First, Xia Jun was obsessed with the past incident and had sworn to marry Jiang Ruan to torment her over the years. Second, whoever married the power behind Jiang Ruan would gain great assistance, not to mention there might be a large sum of money involved.
However, Shen Rou had always been at odds with the Xia family’s second madam Yu Ya, and their sister-in-law relationship was extremely poor. She naturally didn’t want Xia Jun to do well. Shen Rou thought that rather than benefiting Xia Jun, she might as well benefit her own family. Shen Rou’s natal family still had a nephew whose age was just right for marriage with Jiang Ruan. If it worked out, it would be keeping the benefits within the family.
As Shen Rou was making her calculations, her gaze at Jiang Ruan became somewhat unusually fervent. Tianzhu frowned, and Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “This must be Madam Xia.”
“Precisely. Ruan’er, I didn’t expect you to have grown so much in the blink of an eye.” Shen Rou said warmly.
“Audacious! You don’t bow upon seeing the county princess!” Tianzhu coldly shouted, startling Shen Rou.
Jiang Ruan said gently: “It’s fine. Madam Xia once had an encounter with me and was probably too excited just now, forgetting this matter. It doesn’t matter.”
This response made Shen Rou’s face turn red then white, white then red. Everyone had seen clearly what happened in the ancestral hall back then. Bringing up old matters now was slapping the Xia family’s face.
Xia Yan’s face couldn’t hold up either, and Xia Jiaojiao was even more furious. However, remembering her grandfather’s instructions before leaving, she forcibly endured it.
Xia Yan suddenly bent over, covering her mouth with a handkerchief and dry-heaving twice. Lin Lang hurried over to gently pat Xia Yan’s back, saying: “Is the madam feeling unwell again?”
Xia Yan shook her head: “Perhaps the room is too stuffy, and my chest feels a bit blocked.” She smiled: “Jiaojiao, sister-in-law, Ruan’er, why don’t we go for a walk in the garden? The air outside is fresh.”
Jiang Ruan glanced out the window. It was extremely hot outside, with not a cloud in the sky. Going out at this time would indeed risk getting heat rash. However, she smiled and said: “Alright, I’d also like to take a walk in the garden.”
Shen Rou and Xia Jiaojiao were guests, so naturally they wouldn’t refuse. The three ladies got up together and walked toward Xia Yan’s garden. To be fair, although it was hot outside, since Xia Yan was pregnant and didn’t dare use ice, she had to work on the courtyard instead. The courtyard was clean and tidy, with someone sprinkling cool well water on the stone slabs every half hour. Combined with the dense tree shade, it was indeed cool and much better ventilated than inside the house.
As they walked, they came to the pavilion beside the small pond in the courtyard. This pavilion was Xia Yan’s most proud creation. Xia Yan had once been known as a talented woman in the capital, and after entering the Jiang mansion, she had personally arranged the entire courtyard. The pavilion was right by the small pond, capturing the summer scene of “lotus pond moonlight.” On summer nights with cool breezes, the pond full of emerald lotus leaves and charming lotus flowers under moonlight like water created an extremely elegant scene. When this pavilion was first completed, Jiang Quan was very fond of it. He often spent evenings with Xia Yan drinking in the pavilion—they were truly a loving couple.
Jiang Ruan laughed coldly in her heart. This place was where Jiang Quan and Xia Yan shared tender moments, but it had also been Zhao Mei’s place of heartbreak. When Jiang Xinzhi was young, he once caught smallpox, and Zhao Mei had stayed by his side for days and nights without undressing. When Jiang Xinzhi woke up and asked where his father was, Zhao Mei felt bitter and searched for Jiang Quan, only to find him drinking and making merry with Xia Yan. At that time, she was still a child who understood nothing, only seeing Jiang Quan and Xia Yan laughing happily, making her mother’s tears seem all the more piercing. Looking at that pavilion, Jiang Ruan smiled slightly and said: “The lotus-leaf skirt cut from the same color, hibiscus flowers blooming on both sides of the face.”
When Zhao Mei brought young Jiang Ruan to Yanhua Courtyard, they had heard the triumphant Jiang Quan recite this line to the gentle and graceful Xia Yan, the tenderness and affection in his eyes something the mother and daughter had never seen.
Xia Yan was slightly stunned, then smiled: “Ruan’er, your father also loves to recite these two lines most.”
Shen Rou’s eyes turned, and she smiled broadly: “If you ask me, sister-in-law really knows how to enjoy life. Such a wonderful place would be hard to find even with a lantern in our mansion.”
Xia Jiaojiao chimed in at the right moment: “That’s natural. Aunt was formerly the capital’s first talented woman, naturally incomparable to ordinary country women.” Xia Jiaojiao always believed Jiang Ruan had grown up on a manor and was raised by the literature-ignorant Zhao Mei as a child, so naturally she was someone who didn’t understand letters. Jiang Ruan pretended not to hear, still smiling sweetly. Seeing this, Xia Jiaojiao became even more annoyed.
Xia Yan suddenly became somewhat sentimental: “Speaking of it, it’s been over ten years in the blink of an eye. When your sister was still here, she also praised this pavilion’s beauty. Ruan’er, now you’re this grown up, and soon you’ll be of marriageable age. You grew up on the manor, probably with no one to teach you proper etiquette. Mother was thinking of finding an etiquette governess to serve by your side. Would that be good?”
Jiang Ruan turned her head to gaze at her, then suddenly smiled: “Mother, what are you saying? Are the etiquette governesses by the Empress Dowager’s side not governesses?”
Xia Yan was stunned, not having thought of this aspect, and was momentarily at a loss for words. However, having started, she couldn’t stop, so she grabbed Jiang Ruan’s hand and gently persuaded: “Mother knows you are good and clever. But the etiquette governesses in the palace teach you palace rules. You will eventually marry, so naturally you should learn the proper conduct of a wife.”
Jiang Ruan looked at her with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. Under that lightly smiling gaze, Xia Yan actually felt somewhat panicked. She suddenly widened her eyes and shouted: “Ruan’er, what are you doing!”
Immediately after, Xia Yan’s body suddenly retreated backward, as if Jiang Ruan had pushed her hard. She happened to be facing the pavilion’s steps directly, and with a loud sound, Xia Yan fell heavily down the stairs.
“Ah!” came a scream. Xia Yan’s lower body immediately turned red, her clothes soaked with blood.
“Jiang Ruan!” A voice full of anger and shock came from across the way. Jiang Ruan looked up and saw Jiang Quan, Xia Cheng, and Xuan Li standing across from the pavilion. Jiang Quan’s gaze was venomous and furious, as if he wanted to devour her.
Jiang Ruan stroked the bracelet on her hand, the corners of her lips rising in a smile of unclear meaning.
The turtle had stuck out its head.