A night passed, and ultimately nothing had been accomplished. They had thought that with Xiao Shao’s temperament, he wouldn’t do anything improper, but at least the two would have grown closer. Who knew that when they opened the door early the next morning, both maintained cold, indifferent expressions without any of the bashfulness or shyness everyone expected.
Everyone knew they had erred and obediently went to receive their punishments.
After Xiao Shao left, Jiang Ruan dismissed everyone and sat at her desk, pulling out a stack of books with a rough map of the Southern Border to Tianjin Kingdom tucked inside. The Southern Border was south of the Great Jin Dynasty – cross a river and you reached Tianjin Kingdom. Though Xiao Shao had said nothing when he returned injured from outside the capital the night before, Jiang Ruan felt it was connected to the Southern Border and Tianjin Kingdom. Thinking deeper, there might be problems on the battlefield.
However, she had no way to reach the battlefield. Since rumors spread in the capital about Tianjin Kingdom’s successful counterattack, Jiang Xinzhi had stopped sending letters home – presumably because the war situation was urgent. But knowing Jiang Xinzhi’s character, unless he was worried about her, he would pretend nothing was wrong. Now that he hadn’t even sent letters, the battle situation was probably already intense.
Jiang Ruan frowned. With Tianjin Kingdom restless, if the court could send reinforcements, it should resolve the urgent crisis.
But currently the Zhao family controlled only 200,000 troops, and people still needed to remain in the capital. The remaining generals had either been privately won over by the Eighth Prince or become part of Xuan Hua’s faction. How could Xuan Li obediently send reinforcements? Even if the emperor issued an edict, Xuan Li would inevitably interfere. Jiang Xinzhi was now a coveted prize – with Xuan Li’s temperament, if he couldn’t be used, he would certainly be discarded and killed.
If Jiang Xinzhi was truly trapped now, Xuan Li would likely add insult to injury.
Jiang Ruan stood up, pondered for a moment, then said: “I need to enter the palace.”
…
In the imperial study, the emperor set down the letter in his hands, tapped the desk before him, and after a long while raised his head to look at the young man before him: “Ah Shao, you want to send troops?”
Xiao Shao remained silent.
“Mother won’t agree,” the emperor said. “Back then…”
“I’ve already forgotten,” Xiao Shao interrupted. “Your Majesty need not mention it again.”
“Very well,” the emperor said. “Let’s not discuss this matter for now. I heard you’ve been close to Princess Hong’an recently. The night before last when you were injured, you rested in Princess Hong’an’s courtyard?”
“Your Majesty knows everything, no need to ask this subject.”
The emperor’s tone suddenly became stern: “She is from the Jiang family!”
“So what?”
“Could it be you truly like her?” The emperor became somewhat agitated. Eunuch Li beside him quickly came over to gently pat his back and help him breathe. The emperor waved away Eunuch Li’s hand: “I know you have your own ideas, but Jiang Ruan won’t do.”
“Why?” Xiao Shao asked.
“Why,” the emperor repeated. “What kind of person Jiang Quan is, you understand better than I do.”
“She is also Zhao Guang’s granddaughter,” Xiao Shao reminded.
“So what!” the emperor said angrily. “Ah Shao, your life cannot tolerate any blemishes. Princess Hong’an is not worthy of you. I’m not ignorant of everything – that woman has deep schemes. How could she share domestic harmony with you? Moreover, though Zhao Guang holds military power, his character is too upright, and Jiang Quan is a poisonous insect. If you’re with her, not only will you gain no assistance, she’ll drag you into muddy waters. I’ve already chosen – Governor Yao’s daughter from the coast is about your age and excels in both literary and military strategy. The forces behind Miss Yao could also assist you – she would be your perfect match.”
“Your Majesty overthinks,” Xiao Shao’s tone was cold. “This subject’s marriage, this subject will decide himself. Your Majesty need not trouble yourself.”
“You—” The emperor seemed very insistent on this matter, saying coldly: “If I must have you marry Miss Yao and issue the marriage edict tomorrow, what would you do?”
Xiao Shao raised an eyebrow: “Then this subject would have no choice but to resist the imperial decree and refuse the marriage, letting my head fall.”
The emperor had another fit of violent coughing. Without waiting for him to speak, Xiao Shao continued: “The Southern Border situation is urgent and requires extraordinary measures. Your Majesty need not focus on this subject’s trivial matters. As for Miss Yao…” His dark eyes were deep and cold, his tone calm: “If Your Majesty grants the marriage, wouldn’t that be wasting a life in vain?”
With that, he left without looking back.
Eunuch Li supported the swaying emperor, quickly pulling out a small porcelain bottle from his robes and feeding the emperor two pills. Only then did the emperor’s complexion improve somewhat. But his expression was somewhat desolate as he sighed deeply: “He defies me for that girl.”
“Your Majesty,” Eunuch Li consoled gently. “You’ve watched Prince Xiao’s temperament since childhood – once he decides something, even nine oxen couldn’t pull him back. Your Majesty spoke so harshly just now that Prince Xiao was naturally displeased and spoke more bluntly, but his heart holds no other thoughts.”
“Of course I know he has no treasonous intentions,” the emperor pressed his forehead wearily. “I’m thinking of him in everything. Miss Yao is well-educated and reasonable, from a distinguished family. I’ve seen her myself – she’s also stunningly beautiful. If Governor Yao became Ah Shao’s support, wouldn’t things be much easier in the future? I’m paving this road for him, yet he refuses to take the path I’ve laid.”
“Prince Xiao is still a young man after all,” Eunuch Li persuaded. “Perhaps the princess truly has a different relationship with him. Prince Xiao values emotion and loyalty – he’s not someone who seeks connections for gain.”
“There’s a shortcut available, yet he insists on taking the most difficult path,” the emperor snorted coldly. “If Jiang Ruan were a simple, agreeable woman, that would be one thing. But I can see clearly – she’s deeply scheming with a very cold nature. How could such a woman live with Ah Shao, who is already cold by nature? Both Jiang Xinzhi siblings have their own ideas and are hard to control, especially Jiang Xinzhi. If he develops treasonous thoughts, wouldn’t the realm fall into chaos?”
Eunuch Li didn’t know how to console him, knowing that Xiao Shao was a calamity in the emperor’s heart. This ruler was wise and decisive in other matters, but once it involved Xiao Shao, he couldn’t see the situation clearly. With Xiao Shao’s temperament, how could he tolerate being manipulated? Having made such statements today, if the emperor really forced the marriage regardless, that Miss Yao would probably disappear from this world the next day. Eunuch Li had witnessed Xiao Shao’s methods. If the Yao family and imperial family then became enemies, that would be a great disaster.
The emperor sighed deeply: “Forget it, we’ll discuss this matter later.” From the beginning, he had instinctively disliked Jiang Ruan. This was quite strange, but those in high positions were especially sensitive in certain aspects. For instance, when Jiang Ruan spoke with him, though she appeared normal, he seemed to always sense a trace of faint resentment and hatred. That feeling was very subtle – when the emperor noticed it, he also found Jiang Ruan disagreeable. In his view, Princess Yuanrong was gentle and proper, considerate and mindful of the greater good – the most noble princess in the world. But Empress Dowager Yide had insisted that Jiang Ruan resembled Princess Yuanrong somewhat. In fact, from Consort Chen’s incident, one could see that Jiang Ruan was definitely not as gentle and magnanimous as she appeared. On the contrary, she was calculating about every detail, just hiding it deeply. Since learning of Xiao Shao’s unusual relationship with her, the emperor had sent people to investigate Jiang Ruan’s past. The more they investigated, the more he felt Jiang Ruan was extremely cunning.
The emperor would not allow such a dangerous person near Xiao Shao. He didn’t know why he always felt faintly displeased with Jiang Ruan – perhaps it was hatred owed from a previous life. There were always many inexplicable things in the world.
…
The conversation between the emperor and Xiao Shao vanished like the dragon birth incense burning in the imperial study.
At this moment, Jiang Ruan had met with Empress Dowager Yide, chatted briefly about family matters, and was returning to the princess’s palace with Tianzhu and others.
Just as she reached the entrance, she encountered a familiar person – Fourth Prince Xuan Lang.
As the Fourth Prince, Xuan Lang wore somewhat worn dark brown brocade robes, with only a jade pendant at his waist as decoration, appearing extremely plain. To observant eyes, this would only suggest an unfavored, down-and-out prince. Seeing Jiang Ruan, the Fourth Prince stepped forward and bowed: “Princess.”
Xuan Lang usually seemed accustomed to pleasing others, his tone carrying a barely perceptible humility. Hearing this in Jiang Ruan’s ears, she felt he was exactly like Jiang Dan. But she smiled slightly and returned his greeting: “Fourth Highness.”
This neither warm nor cold attitude made hurt flash in Xuan Lang’s eyes, though it passed quickly as he smiled: “I heard earlier that Tianjin Kingdom’s war situation was tense and thought the princess must be very worried. Seeing the princess in good spirits now, I’m relieved.”
Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow. She wasn’t afraid of his questions – she was afraid he wouldn’t ask. Indeed, Tianjin Kingdom’s affairs were related to Xuan Li. Here Xuan Lang deliberately “encountered” her – wasn’t he coming to probe her attitude? Perfect – she also wanted to see what these people were plotting and what they wanted to probe.
“How could I be untroubled?” She sighed softly, her gaze instantly dimming, her tone involuntarily carrying a trace of melancholy. “Elder brother fights enemies at the border while I enjoy peaceful days with peace of mind. Now with the war situation tense, elder brother hasn’t sent letters home for a long time. Whenever I think of this, I feel very uneasy.”
Xuan Lang’s eyes flickered as he carefully observed Jiang Ruan’s expression. Seeing her emotions didn’t seem feigned, he consoled: “Vice General Jiang has heaven’s protection, and he’s a natural war god. Tianjin Kingdom is just a small territory – how could they win? Princess, don’t worry. Your brother will surely return victorious.”
Jiang Ruan smiled: “Thank you for Fourth Highness’s comfort.” But her smile was somewhat forced.
Xuan Lang shook his head: “Speaking of which, I’ve also heard Father mention that the war situation is indeed somewhat tense now. Though Tianjin Kingdom is small, they have superior metallurgy skills with sharp, excellent swords and shields. Combined with cunning tactics, alas…”
Hearing Xuan Lang’s words, Jiang Ruan’s expression changed again as she said reluctantly: “Fourth Highness speaks truly.”
Her unsettled appearance fell into Xuan Lang’s eyes, giving him more confidence. He said as if casually: “If only General Wú could send troops.”
“General Wú?” Jiang Ruan asked puzzled.
“The princess probably doesn’t understand court affairs well,” Xuan Lang explained considerately. “General Wú is also a military commander with quite a group of excellent soldiers under him. The Wú family army are all skilled fighters. Previously they guarded against the Western Rong, but several years ago when Western Rong submitted, the Wú family army withdrew. General Wú hasn’t led troops these years and has been worried about having no use for his talents. If the Wú family army could assist and General Wú returned to service, conquering Tianjin Kingdom would surely be just around the corner.”
Jiang Ruan lowered her gaze. General Wú – she naturally knew this general. In her previous life when Xuan Li came to power, he gradually devoured those not in his faction, suppressing the Zhao family while promoting the Wú family. The Wú family, like the Zhao family, were old officials who had helped the previous emperor establish the dynasty. But after Old General Wú’s death, the current General Wú was obstinate and conceited with great ambitions, wanting to reach the “first” position in the Great Jin Dynasty. He spared no effort in suppressing the Zhao family.
In her previous life when she was imprisoned, she vaguely heard that when people went to arrest everyone in the Zhao mansion, it was this General Wú who personally led them.
Jiang Ruan kept her head down, lost in thought. Xuan Lang stared at her. When Jiang Ruan raised her head: “Fourth Highness speaks truly, but why not have my grandfather and uncles send reinforcements? Wouldn’t that be more convenient?”
“Old General Zhao’s troops guard the capital’s vital points – how can they spare anyone?” Xuan Lang shook his head. “Moreover, this relationship between Vice General Jiang and General Zhao… Father wouldn’t let the Zhao family send troops.”
This was sowing discord? Wanting the brothers to lose heart toward the emperor? The slight smile at Jiang Ruan’s lips vanished instantly, but in a moment she had adopted a somewhat bewildered expression: “Then… what can be done?”
“Don’t worry,” Xuan Lang seemed to think for a moment, then said hesitantly: “Eighth Brother has an excellent relationship with General Wú. If Eighth Brother could speak persuasively…”
“The Eighth Prince?” Jiang Ruan was startled, saying urgently: “Could you ask the Eighth Prince to help persuade General Wú?”
“This matter ultimately depends on Father’s thoughts,” Xuan Lang seemed somewhat helpless, shaking his head. “Moreover, Father most hates ministers forming attachments to each other. If Eighth Brother rashly went to speak, it might arouse Father’s suspicion.”
“Then what should be done?” Jiang Ruan’s voice carried disappointment.
Xuan Lang glanced at her, suddenly moving closer: “Princess, I have something I don’t know whether I should tell you.”
“Please speak,” Jiang Ruan looked at him.
“Actually, it’s not entirely without solution,” Xuan Lang said.
“What solution?” Jiang Ruan’s eyes brightened as she asked eagerly.
“Eighth Brother has reached the age for selecting a consort. Previously, because of the consort’s incident, Father has held some prejudice against Eighth Brother. Fortunately, Father recently asked about Eighth Brother’s marriage. Eighth Brother once told me he already has someone in his heart.” He glanced at Jiang Ruan, seeing she showed no angry expression before continuing: “If Eighth Brother and the princess married, the Great Jin Dynasty has such precedents. At that time, if the princess naturally brought up reinforcements, as her husband, it would be natural for Eighth Brother to help the princess. Even recommending General Wú to Father would be very natural.”
“I… with the Eighth Prince?” Jiang Ruan asked.
Xuan Lang nodded, seeming somewhat troubled: “This isn’t really a good idea, but there’s no other way now. If the princess wants to save Vice General Jiang, this is the fastest method. Eighth Brother is devoted to the princess – the princess should be able to get along well with Eighth Brother.”
“How can I decide without parental command and matchmaker’s words?” Jiang Ruan asked.
“That’s simple,” Xuan Lang said. “Eighth Brother just needs to request Father to grant the marriage.”
Jiang Ruan sneered inwardly. Spoken easily – requesting a marriage grant would ultimately depend on Empress Dowager Yide’s side. If she truly was unwilling, the empress dowager wouldn’t force it. Precisely because of this, Xuan Li had Xuan Lang come persuade her to confirm she wouldn’t refuse.
She had been wondering what scheme Xuan Lang was plotting with all his roundabout talk, not expecting he had set his sights on her. What an excellent calculation.
Marry her, then take the Zhao family as his own. The Jiang family was already his people, so wouldn’t Jiang Xinzhi be at his mercy? Even having General Wú send troops was borrowing her influence. If they truly won in the end, wouldn’t all credit fall to Xuan Li? What a business that could never lose!
But… she didn’t trust that Xuan Li would really have General Wú send troops to help Jiang Xinzhi. If Jiang Xinzhi showed even the slightest unwillingness to submit to Xuan Li, that General Wú would unhesitatingly stab him in the back. Even if Jiang Xinzhi showed no such intention, with General Wú’s narrow-minded and jealous temperament, seeing the young and militarily accomplished Jiang Xinzhi, he might well develop other thoughts.
Xuan Lang thought this speech was flawless – Jiang Xinzhi was Jiang Ruan’s weakness. These siblings had excellent relationships, and Jiang Ruan was ultimately a woman, easily emotional. Hearing anything related to Jiang Xinzhi, wouldn’t she immediately panic without distinguishing right from wrong? But waiting and not receiving Jiang Ruan’s answer, he became somewhat anxious. When Jiang Ruan raised her head, she didn’t have the helpless, panicked expression Xuan Lang expected. Her expression was cold and calm, her slightly upturned charming eyes showing clear mockery. Under such a gaze, one almost wanted to flee in embarrassment.
“Princess…” he was about to speak.
“So Fourth Highness is so well-versed in current politics,” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. One sentence successfully made Xuan Lang’s expression change dramatically. She looked at Xuan Lang with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile: “Fourth Highness’s eloquence and understanding of court affairs should really be shown clearly to His Majesty.”
Her tone was laughing yet seemed to carry sighs, making Xuan Lang immediately break into cold sweat.
What kind of person was he? The most incompetent, mediocre prince of the Great Jin Dynasty. Anyone could look down on him – most incompetent, yet also safest. When several princes had died mysteriously in the past, why had he alone survived? Not because he was lucky, but because he was stupid!
Even if that stupidity had to be feigned!
In fact, though he was mediocre without great talent or strategy, he wasn’t as stupid, weak, and humble as everyone expected. His previous brothers who were cleverer and more capable than him – what good end did they meet? Still the same handful of yellow earth.
The emperor knew he was unfit for great responsibility, ministers knew he lacked ability. In the whirlpool of succession struggle, he was always cast aside. He humbled himself and among all his brothers, chose only Xuan Li.
He appeared close to the crown prince but was actually Xuan Li’s man. Even the most incompetent person, after pretending to be foolish for over ten years in the imperial family, still yearned for power. Though knowing he wasn’t qualified to compete for that highest position, even rising a little above his current status would be good.
Xuan Li had the mask of a gentle gentleman – didn’t he have one too? Only his mask wasn’t as attractive as Xuan Li’s – humble, weak, timid as a mouse. Yet like poisonous snakes and insects hidden in darkness, seeming insignificant but capable of delivering fatal strikes at crucial moments.
He was the transparent sword Xuan Li used in the imperial palace.
But what did Jiang Ruan’s words just now mean? Having the emperor know he cared so much about current affairs – even a fool would know his usual stupidity was feigned. Wouldn’t this ruin everything? Once ruined, even Xuan Li wouldn’t easily forgive him.
Xuan Lang forced a smile: “Princess, I’m poorly educated…”
“Not at all,” Jiang Ruan’s tone was relaxed. “Fourth Highness is clearly intelligent and responds appropriately. If His Highness the Crown Prince knew he had such a clever person beside him, wouldn’t even tutors be superfluous?” She smiled at Xuan Lang’s panicked expression: “Perhaps Fifth Highness would be delighted to know his brother is so talented.”
Hearing her relaxed, smiling tone with no trace of earlier panic, if Xuan Lang still didn’t understand by now, he’d be a fool. He knew Jiang Ruan had just been deceiving him – she wasn’t worried about Jiang Xinzhi at all. This woman!
Jiang Ruan smiled brightly at him, her skirts slightly lifted by the breeze. Those eyes were as clear as spring water yet contained other things, feeling cool as winter wind, rustling through his heart and leaving a block of ice there, making his whole body lose all warmth.
Xuan Lang opened his mouth with difficulty: “Princess… do you have someone in your heart, so you’re unwilling to marry Eighth Brother?”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “What you mentioned – what kind of thing is that?”
Xuan Lang was stunned.
Tianzhu remained motionless, Lu Zhu looked serious, and Jiang Ruan regarded him calmly. She knew that every word from today would eventually reach that person’s ears. He had personally directed this play for her to watch – she might as well make him unable to step down.
Scheming – who couldn’t do it?
“My elder brother fights valiantly at the front lines. How could I willingly marry in the capital? Even if I marry, it must be to an upright man. This Great Jin Dynasty doesn’t need women to protect it. Even I know this principle – how could your eighth brother not know? Then, if he won’t even easily speak words about requesting His Majesty to send reinforcements to protect the Great Jin people, how can I guarantee to entrust my life to him? If someone lacks courage to protect the country, might there come a day when he can’t even protect me?”
“I want to marry a man, not a coward.” Jiang Ruan smiled.
These words left Xuan Lang speechless, only making him sweat more profusely. When today’s words reached Xuan Li’s ears, how could Xuan Li not be angry? When that anger was vented on him, wouldn’t it be misdirected?
“Princess, these words are truly harsh,” Xuan Lang said. “Eighth Brother is also helpless.”
“Fourth Highness’s relationship with Eighth Highness is truly good,” she said calmly. “Go back and tell your master – delusional thinking is called daydreaming!”