The news that Xiao Shao had taken advantage of his drunken state to embrace and kiss Jiang Ruan spread throughout Prince Jinying’s mansion the next day. The servants of Prince Jinying’s mansion once again admired their master’s actions – now this was what they called boldness! Though everyone knew in their hearts that they had never seen Xiao Shao drunk in all these years, seeing his purpose, they all thought the prince was truly the type to either stay silent or amaze everyone with a single brilliant feat.
Jiang Ruan was unaware of the various gossip. Last night, she didn’t know when Xiao Shao had fallen asleep. She had Tian Zhu help escort Xiao Shao to his room to rest. With her mind full of thoughts, she hadn’t slept well all night, and when she left Prince Jinying’s mansion the next day, there were faint dark circles under her eyes.
After leaving Prince Jinying’s mansion, she didn’t return to the palace. After thinking it over, she had the driver turn the carriage around and return to the Jiang mansion. Now that Jiang Xinzhi’s matter was known throughout the city, the Jiang mansion couldn’t possibly not have received news. It was perfect timing – she was very curious to see if the net she had cast had any catch.
…
In the Jiang mansion, Jiang Quan was rarely staying at home today. In the study, Jiang Chao sat across from Jiang Quan, his expression somewhat grave.
“You’re saying the Eighth Prince wants to marry Ruan?” Jiang Quan frowned. “Why would the Eighth Prince have such thoughts?” If it were about marrying Jiang Susu, Jiang Quan would feel more at ease – he might even welcome it. Now hearing that Xuan Li wanted Jiang Ruan, Jiang Quan’s heart began to beat uneasily.
A trace of barely perceptible gloom flashed through Jiang Chao’s eyes: “The Prince indeed has this intention.”
“What about Susu then?” Jiang Quan’s expression was displeased. “She’s also reached marriageable age. Earlier, the Eighth Prince also tacitly agreed to the matter with Susu. Susu still hasn’t been engaged – how can he suddenly change to someone else?” By this point, Jiang Quan’s words already revealed his dissatisfaction with Xuan Li.
Several years ago, the Jiang family had intended to bind themselves with the Eighth Prince, so they had subtly tested Xuan Li’s intentions. The Jiang family only had two legitimate daughters. In terms of affection, Jiang Quan naturally favored Jiang Susu more, and it was only natural that he wanted to marry Jiang Susu to Xuan Li as a prince’s consort. Because of this plan, Jiang Susu’s marriage had never been settled, dragging on until now. If they delayed a few more years, she would become an old maid. He had thought this was a sure thing – at worst, with the Marquis Xia household’s connections, she could at least become a side consort. But now how had it suddenly become Jiang Ruan?
In Jiang Quan’s eyes, even the most brainless Jiang Li was better than Jiang Ruan. He didn’t know why, but Jiang Quan always felt an inexplicable fear toward this eldest daughter who was always smiling gently. Perhaps it was guilt toward Zhao Mei, or perhaps those eyes of Jiang Ruan’s seemed to always see through people’s hearts. Every time he met Jiang Ruan’s gaze, Jiang Quan felt very uncomfortable. In Jiang Quan’s view, both Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xinzhi were ones who would oppose him and were beyond his control.
If Jiang Ruan were really married into the Eighth Prince’s mansion, who knew whether she would bring disaster to the Jiang mansion and to him once she gained power. Jiang Quan had never trusted Jiang Ruan.
Jiang Chao looked at Jiang Quan with some mockery, though this expression was well concealed and Jiang Quan didn’t see it. Jiang Chao said: “The Eighth Prince specifically named eldest sister. No matter how dissatisfied father is, you can hardly negotiate with the Eighth Prince to swap in second sister, can you?”
Jiang Chao was not without resentment toward Jiang Quan. Ever since the Xia Yan incident, Jiang Chao had seen clearly that although Jiang Quan spoke of love, when it came to life and death matters, he didn’t dare fight for them. Knowing that Xia Yan had been slandered, as her husband, he had chosen to believe others’ words. Now Jiang Chao was a favored person before the Eighth Prince, but his colleagues’ gazes always carried a few traces of mockery. All of this was thanks to his father who couldn’t judge people clearly – how could Jiang Chao not have grievances!
Since Xia Yan’s incident, the relationship between Jiang Chao and Jiang Quan had become increasingly distant – polite on the surface but lacking intimacy. Jiang Quan might or might not be aware of this problem – perhaps he knew in his heart but just pretended ignorance to maintain a peaceful facade.
“You—” Jiang Quan also heard the faint mockery in Jiang Chao’s words and was about to get angry, but suddenly thought of something and softened his tone: “What kind of talk is this? Susu is also your real sister – do you want her to have a hard life?”
Jiang Chao didn’t speak. He naturally knew that if Jiang Ruan really married the Eighth Prince Xuan Li, given the grudges between Jiang Ruan and them, it would only bring harm and no benefit. However, Jiang Chao could see clearly that Xuan Li was determined to have Jiang Ruan. Besides the Zhao family behind her and Jiang Xinzhi as leverage, as a man, he naturally understood the way Xuan Li looked at Jiang Ruan. Xuan Li had already developed an interest in Jiang Ruan – a man’s interest in a woman.
Jiang Chao smiled coldly: “Why should father worry unnecessarily? If the Eighth Prince wants eldest sister, and if His Majesty agrees, we can’t refuse. If father is worried that eldest sister might say something inappropriate before the Eighth Prince, it’s really unnecessary. Because if eldest sister marries the Eighth Prince but then develops a blood feud with him, even if she enters the prince’s mansion, the resentment will only deepen.”
“You mean…” Jiang Quan’s eyes lit up.
Jiang Chao smiled unhurriedly, extending a hand with only four fingers to slowly trace on the table: “The Eighth Prince wants to marry eldest sister partly to win over elder brother. But if elder brother is really taken in by the Eighth Prince, it might not be good for our Jiang mansion.”
Jiang Quan’s expression paused. Jiang Xinzhi and Jiang Ruan were of one mind – these two couldn’t stand to see him do well. If they were really recruited by Xuan Li, and if Jiang Xinzhi could really escape this disaster, he would be honored and powerful, holding great authority incomparable to the past. The Jiang family would become dispensable. If Xuan Li had to choose between Jiang Xinzhi and the Jiang family, he might not necessarily choose the Jiang family over Jiang Xinzhi. In that case, Jiang Xinzhi’s existence would be an enormous threat to the Jiang mansion.
Jiang Quan looked at Jiang Chao. Jiang Chao’s expression was sinister, but his words were chilling: “If something happened to elder brother, and it was discovered that the Eighth Prince was behind it, eldest sister would inevitably become estranged from the Eighth Prince upon learning this. Since elder brother had an accident, he would be useless to the Eighth Prince. If eldest sister hates the Eighth Prince, she won’t let the Zhao family help either. In that case, if the Eighth Prince still wants to win over the Jiang family, he would need another connection.” He smiled slightly: “At that time, sending second sister into the prince’s mansion would be effortless.”
The expression on Jiang Chao’s face was too unfamiliar, carrying a cruelty he himself wasn’t aware of, causing Jiang Quan to be momentarily stunned. After a while, he came to his senses and said: “You make it sound easy, but how would you make him have an accident? Besides, this matter involves calculating against the Eighth Prince too – it’s inappropriate.”
Jiang Chao felt contempt for Jiang Quan’s words, disdaining his father’s inherent weakness. Always looking ahead and behind – how could he have good prospects? Besides, he had already planned this matter in his heart. Whether Jiang Quan agreed or not made no difference. Thinking of this, Jiang Chao felt that continuing to waste time here with Jiang Quan was pointless, so he casually deflected with a few words. Seeing his absent-minded appearance, though Jiang Quan was somewhat annoyed, he knew that this son was now Xuan Li’s trusted aide who couldn’t be beaten or scolded, so he had to let it go. After talking for just a short while, he let Jiang Chao leave first.
…
The carriage stopped outside the Jiang mansion. The guards at the gate opened the main door, and Jiang Ruan and her group walked in. They were greeted as usual, but the gazes looking at them always carried some assessment. Without thinking, one could know they were surely watching to see how much longer this princess could remain proud.
When Jiang Ruan was first enfeoffed as a princess, though her status was elevated, Jiang Quan was still the one in charge of the mansion. The servants wouldn’t please Jiang Ruan at the expense of offending Jiang Quan. Now that Jiang Xinzhi was in trouble, following the current situation, it was only a matter of time before Princess Hong’an met misfortune. Many servants secretly congratulated themselves for having correct judgment initially – they hadn’t rushed to curry favor with the eldest miss, otherwise they would certainly get nothing good now.
Previously, whenever Jiang Ruan returned from the palace, Hong Ying would always come to greet her. But today, the one who came out to greet her was the First Concubine dressed in plain clothes. The First Concubine said somewhat apologetically to Jiang Ruan: “Eldest Miss, I’m sorry. Fifth Concubine is heavy with child and seems about to give birth recently. She’s increasingly unable to move around easily. Please be understanding, Eldest Miss.”
Bai Zhi frowned, and Lian Qiao pursed her lips. Previously when nothing had happened, she had been quite diligent in her visits, so much so that those who didn’t know might think they were real mother and daughter. Now seeing the winds changing direction, she became distant like this, afraid of bringing trouble upon herself. No wonder they say courtesans are heartless and actors are disloyal – women from the pleasure quarters, no matter how noble they pretend to be, ultimately can’t hide their nature of changing with the wind.
But since she had said this, what else could be done? Jiang Ruan smiled: “It’s fine. The concubine also has no choice. If little brother gets hurt, I would feel guilty too.”
The First Concubine smiled more warmly. Jiang Ruan glanced at her and said: “Now that Fifth Concubine is heavy with child, managing the household must be overwhelming for her. These days must be hard on you, First Concubine.”
“This humble concubine dares not take credit,” the First Concubine was as modest as always. “I’m just helping out a little.”
Jiang Ruan said as she walked: “You’re just too modest, Concubine.”
The First Concubine waved her hands repeatedly and escorted them all the way to the entrance of Ruan Residence before leaving with a smile.
After the First Concubine left, Lu Zhu couldn’t help saying: “Miss, Fifth Concubine is clearly making things difficult for you.”
Now Hong Ying clearly considered herself the mistress of the household. For Hong Ying not to come greet Jiang Ruan and instead use such a clumsy excuse that everyone could see through was reminding the servants of the Jiang mansion master’s attitude toward Jiang Xinzhi’s matter. Jiang Ruan had once helped Hong Ying resolve the Xia Yan issue, so Hong Ying’s current behavior was indeed somewhat ungrateful.
“She’s a clever person,” Jiang Ruan said indifferently. “She just likes to think she’s clever.”
To please Jiang Quan, Hong Ying naturally had to show disdain for Jiang Ruan. Previously, seeing that Jiang Ruan still had use value, she naturally had to curry favor, at least not openly make enemies. But now with Jiang Xinzhi in trouble, Jiang Ruan had no use value, so Hong Ying kicked her aside. But Hong Ying seemed to have forgotten one thing – whether the child in her belly was real or not.
Since Hong Ying was already dizzy with pride, she didn’t mind making her even dizzier. She had given her a chance to choose before. Since Hong Ying had chosen her path, whatever the outcome, she couldn’t blame others.
Lu Zhu still felt indignant: “She’s just a concubine, but now she acts like the mistress of the house. And the First Concubine, following her around, treating herself like a servant.”
Jiang Ruan looked at the porcelain cup before her: “She’s no servant.”
“Miss?” Bai Zhi sensed something and asked: “Is there a problem with the First Concubine?”
Jiang Ruan thought about it. Her impression of this First Concubine in both lives was very shallow – she only knew her as someone unloved, neglected, and uninvolved in worldly affairs. Perhaps because she had originally been promoted from a chamber maid to concubine, she was quite well-behaved. When Zhao Mei was alive, she had been fairly kind to this concubine. Later when Xia Yan entered the mansion and Jiang Quan exclusively favored Xia Yan, the First Concubine had even less standing. But Xia Yan hadn’t made things particularly difficult for the First Concubine either, probably because she felt an unloved concubine without beauty or background posed no threat. When the servants bullied their mother and children, the First Concubine had still treated them with consistent courtesy.
In her previous life, after she entered the palace, she hadn’t heard any news about the First Concubine either. Thinking about it now, over all these years, the First Concubine seemed to be an invisible presence in the Jiang mansion.
Living peacefully and acting humbly – this was the First Concubine. If it were in another mansion, that would be fine, but this was the Jiang mansion. People live with their own desires. Like Hong Ying’s desire to become the mistress, Xia Yan’s desire to control everything, Zhao Mei’s desire for Jiang Quan to treat their mother and children better.
But the First Concubine seemed like someone without preferences, without any characteristics, almost forgotten by people. To not deliberately please others yet still live peacefully until now – to say she was truly someone without any schemes or methods would be too strange.
“Just pay more attention to her in the future, but don’t make it too obvious,” Jiang Ruan said. “I hope she’s not the one hiding deepest.”
If the First Concubine really had problems, someone who had been lurking for over ten years – her patience and purpose would be too frightening.
Just then, they heard a third-rank maid outside reporting: “Miss, Fourth Miss is here.”
Jiang Dan had come. Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow – Jiang Dan’s movements were quite fast. Was she here to see her make a fool of herself? She smiled: “Show her in.”
“Elder sister.” Jiang Dan called out as soon as she entered, smiling. Today she wore a light orange plum blossom patterned gauze robe, looking refreshed and refined, already possessing a somewhat pitiful charm.
She sat down across from Jiang Ruan and put on a sorrowful expression: “Elder sister, I heard about elder brother… Is there any news from the palace? How is elder brother now?”
By now, Jiang Ruan was too lazy to even pretend to be cordial with her, simply looking at her with a half-smile without speaking. Knowing that Jiang Dan was becoming uneasy, she said: “Elder sister, did Dan say something wrong?”
“Naturally you’re wrong,” Jiang Ruan casually poured herself a cup of tea and said indifferently. “Border warfare is all confidential information. How can it be easily known by others? If it were taken by people with ulterior motives to make an issue of it, wouldn’t that be a great disaster?”
“Elder sister,” Jiang Dan’s expression was awkward, with some grievance in her voice: “Dan is not someone with ulterior motives. What could I do with this information?”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “If fourth sister must know about these matters, it’s not difficult. Three days from now is the day to enter the palace.” She smiled meaningfully: “Fourth sister will naturally be able to hear much. If you can gain His Majesty’s favor, you might even hear more intimate news. At that time, perhaps I’ll have to ask fourth sister for information.”
Hearing this, Jiang Dan’s expression showed neither joy nor sorrow, but rather a strange smile: “Elder sister is just teasing Dan. There are so many women of outstanding talent and beauty in the palace. Dan is just a concubine’s daughter.” She looked at Jiang Ruan: “If it were elder sister instead, that would truly be the Jiang mansion’s fortune.”
“Forget it,” Jiang Ruan laughed. “Since father is letting you enter the palace, you must have your unique qualities. Entering the palace means rising to great heights. Even if others have higher birth than you, as long as you gain favor, won’t they all have to step aside? Besides, you have the Jiang mansion behind you, with father supporting you.”
In her previous life, when she learned she was to enter the palace, these nominal relatives in the Jiang mansion had comforted her with exactly these words. Now she was returning all these words, giving them all back to Jiang Dan, not knowing what Jiang Dan felt hearing them.
These words seemed somewhat sincere, and Jiang Dan couldn’t tell what Jiang Ruan was really thinking for a moment. She forced a smile and said: “Elder sister, do you know? Madam has gone mad and was taken out of the mansion by eldest young master to recuperate quietly in the countryside. Second sister also went to the Marquis Xia mansion, saying that the Marquis’s wife is ill and she’s returning to visit.”
“Second brother is thoughtful,” Jiang Ruan said. “The Marquis’s wife has always been in poor health. It’s proper for second sister to return to visit.”
Jiang Dan frowned, somewhat disappointed at not getting the reaction she expected. But after just a moment, she said as if casually: “But wouldn’t it be better to recuperate anywhere else? Why go to the estate specifically? The journey to the estate is bumpy – I wonder if she can endure it…”
“Second brother has his own judgment,” Jiang Ruan didn’t take up her words but instead blocked them, making Jiang Dan helpless. She also heard that Jiang Ruan didn’t want to delve deeper into this topic. So she said a few more casual words before standing up and smiling: “Dan still needs to go back and prepare some things for entering the palace. I won’t delay elder sister any longer. I’ll return to my courtyard first and come see elder sister again later.”
After seeing off Jiang Dan, Lu Zhu came to pour tea for Jiang Ruan while saying: “Really playing pig to eat tiger. Once gaining power, her eyes want to look up to the sky.”
In the maids’ eyes, Jiang Dan’s visit to Ruan Residence today was nothing more than showing off, while also kicking someone when they’re down to see Jiang Ruan’s current embarrassing situation. What people call petty persons are probably like Jiang Dan.
But Jiang Ruan’s thoughts weren’t on Jiang Dan. From Jiang Dan’s words just now, she had intentionally or unintentionally revealed something – the prey that had been patient for so long finally couldn’t help approaching the trap. Should she wait for the prey to fall in by itself, or give it a push?
Jiang Dan wanted to use her hand, but mistakenly took everyone in the world for fools. But from the current situation, she hadn’t expected that the first person unable to contain himself would actually be Jiang Chao.
She slowly took a sip of tea and said: “Tian Zhu, find out which estate Xia Yan is at. Jiang Chao is about to make his move.”