The Empress Dowager’s edict came suddenly, like a thunderbolt. All those connected to this matter began speculating about the Empress Dowager’s true intentions. Those who thought more deeply believed it was because Xiao Shao had become increasingly audacious lately – imperial dignity could not be violated. For Empress Dowager Yide to bestow Jiang Ruan upon him might be a blessing for others, but for Xiao Shao, who already bore the name of “treacherous minister,” it was a hot potato. Some said this was the imperial family’s warning to Prince Jinying. Those with longer vision, however, believed the Empress Dowager was paving the way for Prince Jinying. If Jiang Xinzhi remained unharmed at the front lines and returned triumphant, with these two relationships becoming even closer through marriage, the Great Jin court would have yet another irresistible force.

However, imperial thoughts were never easy to guess – the emperor’s will was unfathomable. Instead, it was the young ladies and married women of Great Jin whose thoughts were most simple, all feeling sorry that someone as graceful and handsome as Xiao Shao would only marry a daughter from the Minister’s residence.

When this news reached the Minister’s residence, Hong Ying was speaking with Jiang Susu.

Jiang Susu had been looking increasingly elegant lately, and within that elegance was a trace of barely perceptible allure. Unlike Jiang Ruan’s facial features that were naturally charming and beautiful, Jiang Susu’s seductive beauty lay in her every gesture, like a young married woman who had already been thoroughly nurtured, possessing an irresistible sensuality. Even Hong Ying, who came from a brothel background, couldn’t help but be momentarily dazed when watching Jiang Susu speak across from her.

“Auntie?” Seeing Hong Ying’s infatuation, a flash of disdain crossed Jiang Susu’s eyes, which then transformed into a gentle smile, like a dew-covered white lotus blooming in the mountain morning mist. The flower bud trembled delicately, making one’s heart itch. Now she could captivate both men and women.

Only when called did Hong Ying snap back to her senses, a trace of alarm crossing her heart. She thought of how Second Miss now stayed in her courtyard daily, and no one knew what she was doing. Now that Jiang Chao’s official position had gradually risen and he had regained Jiang Quan’s trust, she could no longer make things difficult for Jiang Susu. Moreover, Jiang Quan had also instructed that Hong Ying and Jiang Susu should get along peacefully. But today, Jiang Susu had unexpectedly come to sit in her courtyard – only now did Hong Ying realize that somehow, all the scars on Jiang Susu’s face had completely disappeared without a trace, making her even more alluring than before.

Jiang Quan himself was blessed with good looks, and the Jiang family children had all inherited the Jiang family’s fine appearance. Among the three Jiang daughters, Jiang Ruan was brilliantly beautiful, Jiang Susu elegantly refined to the bone, and though Jiang Dan’s beauty was slightly inferior, she excelled in being fresh and well-behaved. However, from Hong Ying’s experienced perspective, while men claimed to love women like Jiang Susu who seemed untouched by worldly concerns, privately they always preferred those with vibrant beauty. So Jiang Ruan’s appearance was most advantageous, though it could easily become vulgar.

But now it seemed that while Jiang Susu still had that unpowdered appearance, she somehow possessed a few traces of seductive allure. Even Hong Ying couldn’t help being drawn to her. Though Hong Ying didn’t understand this change, she put away her contempt for Jiang Susu. With such beauty and charm, plus some seductive skills, as long as Jiang Susu made good use of her body, she could easily obtain everything she wanted in the future.

Thinking this, Hong Ying smiled: “Looking at Second Miss now, you’ve become increasingly captivating and beautiful – even I was dazzled. Please forgive my rudeness, Second Miss.”

“What is Auntie saying?” Jiang Susu smiled slightly. She was accustomed to playing the fairy role, but now she had gained several traces of allure. Every raise of her hand and lowering of her head naturally drew people’s gazes to her. She said: “I’ve only heard that when Auntie first entered the residence, Father loved and protected you dearly. Auntie was born with natural beauty, causing many people in the capital to come to our residence gates just to catch a glimpse. Thinking of it now, though that grand occasion passed many years ago, Auntie still looks so young and is even expecting a little brother, your beauty surpassing what it was back then. It truly makes one’s heart surrender – no wonder Father dotes on you so.”

These words made Hong Ying extremely pleased, and one hand unconsciously moved to caress her small belly. Actually, there was no child there, but as long as she said there was a child here, then there was a child. She now held sole power in the Jiang residence, and Jiang Quan was firmly in her grasp, believing her words without doubt. Even when the delivery day came, with proper preparations made, the child would be born smoothly and would become a young master of this residence.

Her face showed genuine joy, and looking at Jiang Susu again with some satisfaction, she felt this Second Miss seemed quite sensible now. She had also experienced Xia Yan’s methods before, and now that Xia Yan had fallen, Jiang Susu wasn’t rushing over to curry favor. Hong Ying felt a sense of glory.

“Second Miss flatters me too much. I’m merely a concubine – how could I deserve the word ‘graceful’? It’s Second Miss who,” Hong Ying said meaningfully, “is growing so beautiful before our eyes. Looking across the entire capital, I doubt we could find a second person so outstanding. In the future, you’ll surely marry into a good family, and then with fine clothes and precious food, being treasured in someone’s palm, that will be unlimited honor and endless grace.”

“Auntie jests,” Jiang Susu sighed, her expression growing dim: “Today Mother is gravely ill, Father is busy daily with court affairs, Auntie is with child, and Grandparents shouldn’t interfere with Susu’s matters. Who in this residence still remembers Susu…” She wiped the tears about to spill from her eyes, her voice low: “Moreover, Susu doesn’t have Big Sister’s good fortune – having the Empress Dowager arrange her marriage, marrying a divine figure like Prince Jinying Xiao.”

Hong Ying sneered inwardly – so she couldn’t eat the grapes and was now sour with jealous envy. But since she was pouring out her troubles, some comforting words were necessary. She immediately smiled: “Second Miss must not belittle yourself. First Miss merely has good luck. Speaking bluntly, in what way does Second Miss’s talent and appearance fall short of First Miss? If not for the arranged marriage, with Second Miss’s qualifications, you might not be unable to enter Prince Jinying’s residence gates.”

These words went too far. The gates of Prince Jinying’s residence weren’t something one could just enter. Earlier, court officials had revealed that the Emperor intended to betroth Governor Yao’s daughter from Binhai to Xiao Shao. That Miss Yao was someone who could match a princess’s status. The Emperor valued Xiao Shao so highly – how could he look favorably upon a mere Minister’s daughter? This time, if not for Empress Dowager Yide’s arrangement, it wouldn’t have been Jiang Ruan’s turn either.

Jiang Susu laughed coldly inside but spoke even more humbly: “Thank you for Auntie’s comfort. Susu knows her humble status is far inferior to Big Sister’s elegance and beauty. I’ve never had foolish fantasies about marrying into Prince Jinying’s residence like Big Sister to become his consort. But…” Her voice choked slightly here, her eyes reddening, her expression appearing genuine: “But long ago, Susu regarded Prince Jinying as her beloved, only hoping to glimpse him from afar. I never imagined that now even this dream cannot be allowed.”

Hong Ying was startled, never expecting Jiang Susu to reveal such a secret in her presence. Hong Ying knew her relationship with Jiang Susu wasn’t intimate enough to share maiden secrets, and Jiang Susu wasn’t someone who trusted others carelessly. There must be some reason for this. Rather than relaxing, Hong Ying became alert, smiling without warmth: “Is Second Miss speaking truly? Don’t joke with your own reputation.”

“Auntie doesn’t believe me either?” Jiang Susu sighed softly. When she frowned like this, her eyes seemed covered with a misty haze, making one feel like viewing flowers through fog – just as you wanted to see clearly, you’d fall into those deep pools. Those pale lips were plump and delicate, and even her speaking movements could make people’s mouths dry.

Hong Ying struggled to suppress the restlessness in her heart, looking away as Jiang Susu continued: “If Auntie doesn’t believe it, so be it. Three years ago, on the Lantern Festival at Linglong Pavilion, after Prince Xiao helped Susu out of trouble, I devoted my entire heart to him. I originally thought that if I couldn’t be his wife, glimpsing him from afar would suffice. I never imagined that by some twist of fate, he would become my brother-in-law.”

Hong Ying found this increasingly ridiculous. After calculating in her mind, she asked: “Since Second Miss knows you two are now destined to remain apart, you should let go and choose another good husband – that might be another fine marriage.”

Jiang Susu looked at Hong Ying mournfully, that glance like a ray of light, making one feel as if seeing a beautiful snake slowly writhing, unable to look away.

“Susu tried to forget him from my heart, but later discovered it was impossible. Coming to find Auntie today is precisely because Susu has nowhere else to turn and resorted to this desperate measure. I only hope Auntie will take pity on Susu and save my life.”

Hong Ying silently cursed Jiang Susu’s cunning – after going in circles, she still had a request. But Hong Ying wanted to hear what scheme Jiang Susu was plotting. If it truly wasn’t worth the cost, she naturally wouldn’t wade into these muddy waters. But if there were benefits involved, doing a favor wasn’t impossible.

Thinking this, Hong Ying softened her expression and said gently: “Second Miss’s words are too much for me. How does Second Miss want me to help you?”

“If Auntie is willing to help me, that would be wonderful.” Jiang Susu smiled: “I’m devoted to Prince Xiao, but the legitimate wife position will surely be occupied by Sister. Susu never fantasized about competing with Sister for anything – I’d be satisfied just to have a place beside His Highness. I wouldn’t mind even being a concubine.”

“A concubine?” Hong Ying cried out in shock. For a legitimate daughter of the Minister’s residence to become someone’s concubine would be utterly laughable. This Jiang Susu was truly so deeply in love with Xiao Shao that she could tolerate even debasing herself as a concubine. But even if she could tolerate it, Jiang Quan would never permit it.

“My dear Miss, it’s not that I won’t help you.” Hong Ying sighed: “It’s that Second Miss’s request is too difficult. The Master loves Second Miss dearly – how could he bear to let you become a concubine, watching others’ faces? How would this place the entire Minister’s residence’s dignity? Though these words are presumptuous, I must still say – Second Miss, if you have any consideration for the Jiang family, you cannot have such thoughts.”

After this speech, Jiang Susu burst into tears: “Auntie, if there were any other way, why would Susu go to such lengths? No one is born willing to be someone’s concubine. Moreover, Susu grew up in luxury in this residence and naturally knows this is shameful. But, but Susu truly only recognizes His Highness alone. If I cannot marry him, I will never be able to marry anyone else.”

She looked at Hong Ying, eyes sparkling: “Moreover, didn’t Auntie say so yourself? Though Susu isn’t as beautiful as Sister, I’m not entirely without merit. In the future, I might not be unable to win Prince Xiao’s favor. If His Highness is pleased and promotes Susu, with both Susu and Big Sister being from this residence, sisters serving the same husband would be a beautiful story when told. She reached out to grasp Hong Ying’s hand, her voice full of pleading: “Please help Susu. If Susu is fortunate enough to gain His Highness’s favor in the future, I will certainly remember Auntie’s kindness today.”

Hong Ying’s eyes flickered. Originally this matter had nothing to do with her and she shouldn’t interfere, but Jiang Susu’s words had somewhat moved her heart. Previously she had indeed only wanted to live peacefully in the residence. When Xia Yan was there, she was cautious and careful, fearing others would catch her weaknesses. Though she had Jiang Quan’s love all these years, she lived anxiously. Now with Xia Yan gone from the residence, Second Aunt dead, and First Aunt insignificant, she alone held power. Once someone tastes power, they don’t easily let go. Though Jiang Ruan had helped her before, Jiang Quan and Jiang Ruan were mortal enemies. To firmly grasp her position in the residence, she couldn’t maintain ties with Jiang Ruan.

Moreover, Jiang Ruan was truly quite scheming and couldn’t be controlled by her. Hong Ying had grown accustomed to giving orders, so how could she be willing to be beneath Jiang Ruan? Most importantly, Jiang Ruan knew her secrets – this was like an unpredictable threat always hidden in Hong Ying’s heart, making her unable to sleep peacefully each night. If she could send Jiang Susu into Prince Jinying’s residence and build good relations with Jiang Susu, perhaps she could use this to restrain Jiang Ruan somewhat, at least preventing Jiang Ruan from acting rashly against her.

Hong Ying studied the woman across from her. Jiang Susu wore elegant white clothes, yet emanated a seductive charm, like a fox spirit whose every movement nearly dazzled the eye. This was different from facial beauty – it was an allure carved into her very bones. Even Hong Ying, who had spent so many years in brothels, couldn’t help but silently praise Jiang Susu’s current grace. If Jiang Susu had been born many years earlier, the top courtesan of those brothels would have changed hands.

Such a woman gave men no reason not to love her. Even if Xiao Shao were made of stone, he would be moved by such beauty. Men ultimately followed their instincts, and with Second Miss’s formidable skills, capturing that legendarily cold-hearted young prince wouldn’t be difficult. Looking at Jiang Ruan in comparison, though her beauty was brilliant, her temperament was too cold and stern. Men liked gentle, soft jade – women should show weakness. How could Jiang Ruan’s strength compare to one of Jiang Susu’s tears?

The more Hong Ying looked, the more she felt that if Jiang Susu and Jiang Ruan both entered Prince Jinying’s residence, in the end Jiang Ruan would surely be neglected while Jiang Susu gained favor. With Jiang Susu’s birth mother already fallen from power, to live well in the residence she would need to rely on Hong Ying. Now Jiang Susu seemed sensible, much easier to handle than Jiang Ruan. With this plan in mind, but knowing this favor couldn’t be given freely, Hong Ying said with difficulty: “This… Second Miss’s devotion moves me, and as someone who was once a young woman, I understand Second Miss’s feelings. But though this seems simple, it’s not easy to accomplish. If it fails, when Master punishes us, Second Miss is a legitimate daughter of the residence and would be fine, but I’m merely a concubine. If I displease Master, he might throw me out. That wouldn’t matter otherwise, but I’m carrying a child now – I don’t want this child to be punished from birth and become a nameless child…”

The hint in these words was completely naked, and Jiang Susu wasn’t stupid. She immediately said: “Auntie need not worry about this matter – please help me. After it succeeds, to repay Auntie’s kindness, Susu will personally speak to Father and Grandparents, open the ancestral hall, and ask Father to elevate Auntie to equal wife status.”

Xia Yan wasn’t dead yet, so she couldn’t rashly divorce the wife, but elevating Hong Ying to equal wife status would give her nearly absolute power in the residence. This was exactly what Hong Ying wanted – Xia Yan would merely bear an empty title, nothing to fear, as Jiang Quan would never again trust a woman who had lost her chastity. Hong Ying smiled with satisfaction and patted Jiang Susu’s hand: “Second Miss is truly thoughtful, but what Second Miss mentioned earlier – how exactly do you want me to help?”

Jiang Susu lowered her head and stood up, her voice soft: “This… please look at this, Auntie. Later tonight, Susu will come find Auntie to discuss the details.” With that, she had her maid present a letter. Hong Ying took the envelope, glanced at Jiang Susu, and smiled: “Naturally that’s fine. I’m not feeling well, so I won’t see you out.”

“Auntie should focus on nurturing the pregnancy. Susu will take my leave now.” After speaking, Jiang Susu nodded to Hong Ying and walked toward the courtyard exit.

Only after leaving Hong Ying’s courtyard did Jiang Susu stop at the garden entrance, looking back at the courtyard gate, slowly revealing a cold smile. Just a lowly courtesan woman, yet she wanted to fly to the branches and become a phoenix. Whether Hong Ying had the qualifications to become an equal wife in the Jiang residence remained to be seen. As for Jiang Ruan, a flash of hatred crossed Jiang Susu’s eyes – she was merely a coarse woman raised on an estate, so why should she marry into the glorious wealth of Prince Jinying’s residence?

As long as Xiao Shao wasn’t an idiot, he wouldn’t choose Jiang Ruan over her. Jiang Susu gently caressed her own cheek – now that her seduction arts had reached perfection, all men in this world would prostrate themselves beneath her pomegranate skirt. She would compete with Jiang Ruan for everything Jiang Ruan valued and possessed, even her husband.

She would always be the final winner.