Qi Feng drew in a sharp breath. Though Jiang Ruan’s words were shocking, what was even more shocking was the tone and expression with which she spoke them – there was an indescribable ruthlessness and malice. He suddenly realized that Mo Cong’s description of her as a “vicious woman” wasn’t sufficient to describe Jiang Ruan. Her heart was cruel enough, but more importantly, she was bold enough. What ordinary young lady would dare speak such treasonous words? Yet she had spoken them so naturally. “The victorious become kings, the defeated become bandits” was an eternal truth of court struggles, but no one dared speak it so plainly.
After a long silence, he finally said: “Even if he truly dares to do this, the capital has many eyes and ears. If something really goes wrong with the provisions, before they even leave the city they’d be stopped and discovered. Once exposed, Zhang Ji would naturally meet a bad end. The Eighth Prince isn’t a fool – how could he entrust such an easily exposed matter to someone?”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Xuan Li is naturally very suspicious – he wouldn’t use such a crude method. So any tampering with the provisions would appear perfectly normal for at least several dozen li after leaving the city. Moreover, he will definitely stage a performance – this performance will certainly be spectacular, and gaining His Majesty’s trust is the ultimate goal.”
“You…” Qi Feng narrowed his eyes slightly: “You seem to understand the Eighth Prince very well.” Jiang Ruan’s words carried a natural familiarity with Xuan Li that made Qi Feng feel strangely uncomfortable. But how could a sheltered young lady be familiar with Xuan Li? Even as a princess in the palace, this level of understanding of someone’s character, even knowledge of what they would do next, could only be grasped by those in close, daily contact.
A guess flashed through Qi Feng’s mind – could Jiang Ruan be enamored with Xuan Li? Only when one admired someone would they constantly observe what they did and thought, understanding their every move. But when Qi Feng carefully studied Jiang Ruan’s expression, he inwardly shook his head. Jiang Ruan’s eyes were calm and her smile gentle, but they lacked any romantic feeling. Looking at her actions and words, she didn’t seem to have feelings for Xuan Li either, which made Qi Feng even more confused.
“Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in battle,” Jiang Ruan saw Qi Feng’s puzzled gaze and smiled slightly. “Prince Jinying’s mansion will inevitably face the Eighth Prince head-on. Since it’s a fight to the death, we naturally must prepare early. Otherwise, being treated like fools and ending up dead would be unfortunate.” Her words were soft and gentle, yet Qi Feng distinctly heard a tone of gritted teeth. However, her face remained beautiful and her eyes tender, as if what he’d just heard was an illusion.
“Even if Xuan Li wants to seize the throne, the empire isn’t so easily obtained,” Qi Feng smiled proudly. “In this world, there are people he doesn’t dare provoke. Isn’t Third Sister-in-law worrying too much? I guarantee he doesn’t have the courage to move against Prince Jinying’s mansion.”
Jiang Ruan’s smile gradually grew cold. Though Qi Feng had indeed studied court politics and might be able to use such struggles to achieve his own goals, he had a weakness – he wasn’t good at gauging people’s hearts. Qi Feng viewed problems by treating Xuan Li as a politician, a competing prince, and predicting his actions accordingly. But Xuan Li’s behavior wouldn’t be that of a conventional prince. Jiang Ruan viewed Xuan Li as a selfish, cunning man skilled at patience. This man would use everything available to him, including timing. She had spent so many years by this man’s side that her understanding of him went to the bone – Qi Feng couldn’t match her knowledge.
“So, will Master Qi help me or not?” Jiang Ruan asked flatly.
Qi Feng paused, suddenly realizing that during Jiang Ruan’s brief speech, he had already been swayed. Her words had indeed shaken him considerably, and without knowing it, he had begun to accept what she said. He frowned: “Third Brother and I share glory and loss together – his affairs are my duty. Third Sister-in-law,” he said slowly, “we mustn’t alert our enemies too early. We should have the hidden guards continue monitoring Zhang Ji and post people to watch the Xia and Jiang mansions. Let’s plan carefully. At least, if we’re going to stop them, we need a foolproof strategy.”
“Why stop them?” Jiang Ruan asked lightly.
Qi Feng was stunned, looking at her in confusion: “What do you mean?”
“There’s a kind of suffering in this world – when you succeed, you can’t share it with others, and when you’re wronged, you can’t confide in anyone. Since Xia Jun and Jiang Chao want to accomplish this in secret, I’ll make them eat bitter herbs in silence, unable to voice their suffering. Master Qi is accustomed to open and honorable tactics, but I think sometimes acting from the shadows is more convenient. This time, I want them to pay the price!”
Startled by the sudden cold gleam in those beautiful eyes, Qi Feng couldn’t help but freeze in place. Yet he also felt that when this already alluring young woman turned vicious, there was a compelling beauty that bloomed instantly. He had never encountered such a woman and couldn’t help but sigh deeply: “Then what does Third Sister-in-law think we should do?”
Jiang Ruan smiled at him: “I know Master Qi also has status in the court. The Eighth Prince will definitely stage a grand performance next, and this performance will need Master Qi to arrange for people to go and applaud. Only then will it be truly entertaining.”
“He even told you about that?” Qi Feng was stunned again, then smiled bitterly: “Very well, you are Prince Jinying’s young madam after all – it’s not unreasonable for him to tell you. Please take care of me in the future, Third Sister-in-law. This time, please guide me as well.”
Jiang Ruan nodded lightly, a cold gleam flashing through her eyes.
…
In the palace.
In the Imperial Garden, the Empress was having tea and conversation with several beauties. The courtyard was full of chattering women, all graceful and charming, yet the Empress in the main seat, despite her luxurious clothing, couldn’t hide the aging on her face.
The Crown Prince was increasingly out of favor. Though the Emperor hadn’t explicitly issued an order to depose him, the Crown Prince now participated in fewer court matters than the Eighth and Fifth Princes, which was enough to make those who had been watching change their minds. Those who had remained neutral were now secretly allying with either the Eighth or Fifth Prince camps. As for the Crown Prince’s supporters, very few remained. At least the court ministers understood that the future heir of Great Jin would probably not be the Crown Prince. Now it remained to be seen which had greater capabilities – the Eighth Prince or the Fifth Prince.
Sitting beside the Empress were Wang Lian’er and Jiang Dan. Wang Lian’er wore a pink silk palace dress with a fitted waist that made her already fair skin appear like sheep’s milk. She was beautiful, but her gestures carried a bone-deep gentleness and elegance, along with a faint scholarly air. A young lady from a Hanlin family was truly a talented woman, now a favored flower beside the Emperor, greatly cherished.
Jiang Dan wore emerald robes. In terms of beauty, she wasn’t Wang Lian’er’s equal and didn’t appear as gentle and generous, but she had her own fresh and lively appeal. Compared to someone like Wang Lian’er, Jiang Dan was quite popular in the palace now – even the Empress had difficulty disliking her. She acted with natural innocence, was kind to palace servants, and never actively competed for favor. So compared to Wang Lian’er, everyone in the palace from top to bottom liked her. She now often stayed by the Emperor’s side, occasionally saying things that made him laugh, and the Emperor valued her highly.
Mu Xirou hadn’t come today. She was always proud and aloof by nature, never deigning to socialize with palace consorts. As for Noble Consort Xian, since Consort Chen and Consort Shu had fallen from grace, she spent her days in the palace acting pure-hearted and desireless. Precisely because the struggle between the Fifth and Eighth Princes was intensifying, she needed to retreat while the current was strong, not becoming arrogant due to favor.
The rest were newly entered beauties of lower rank. Among these new beauties, some were lively and beautiful, but the most favored among them were only three. The Empress’s face showed faint weariness: “The weather is getting colder and colder.”
Indeed it was getting colder. Early winter had begun, and the wind was stronger each day. Wang Lian’er smiled: “Indeed, though the capital is still relatively warm. I heard it’s already snowing heavily at Heavenly Jin Kingdom’s borders. It must be extremely cold there.”
The Empress glanced at Wang Lian’er. Her words revealed that the Emperor must be very fond of her, since he even told her about frontier affairs. The Empress’s expression immediately grew cold: “Indeed, the soldiers suffer in the cold outside – it’s truly hard on them.”
“Your Majesty speaks truly,” Jiang Dan smiled. “Great Jin’s realm depends on these soldiers to defend it. With His Majesty’s boundless blessings, we’ll surely win a great victory at Heavenly Jin’s borders. When the soldiers return triumphant, it will be infinitely glorious. However, whenever I think of how hard the soldiers work while I live in luxury here, I feel very ashamed. I would like to donate some silver and jewelry to purchase provisions and supplies to send to the frontier, to do my small part.”
Hearing Jiang Dan’s words, the Empress was somewhat surprised, then looked at her with appreciation. As the mother of the nation, regardless of what the Empress thought about court matters privately, she always hoped Great Jin would continue to prosper. She naturally hoped their battle with Heavenly Jin Kingdom would be fought beautifully. But everyone knew this wasn’t easy. With provisions currently scarce, Jiang Dan voluntarily offering to donate supplies was truly commendable. Though Jiang Dan, as a palace beauty, couldn’t donate much, once this spread and palace beauties followed suit, and court ministers followed suit, it would amount to considerable resources. Moreover, Jiang Dan could have mentioned this before the Emperor, but instead brought it up before the Empress, showing she had no intention of competing for favor, which made the Empress more at ease. Thus the Empress’s expression toward Jiang Dan became even more gentle: “How thoughtful of you. I will mention this to His Majesty.” This clearly meant to promote Jiang Dan.
Jiang Dan smiled: “Thank you, Your Majesty. This servant can do nothing else, only contribute this small effort.”
The surrounding beauties cast envious or jealous glances at Jiang Dan, while Wang Lian’er’s expression changed slightly before returning to normal as she smiled along as if nothing had happened.
After the Empress dismissed everyone, Jiang Dan returned to her courtyard. Her maid Wan’er brought her a letter, saying quietly: “Miss, a letter has arrived.”
Jiang Dan went into her room and had all the palace maids withdraw before opening the letter. Upon seeing its contents, she was first stunned, then read through it quickly. After setting the letter down, she pondered for a long while before slowly beginning to smile.
…
The supply corps was to depart in about three days. Because Jiang Dan had voluntarily offered to donate supplies, the palace beauties all competed to donate their own jewelry. With even the palace women showing such understanding, the ministers naturally couldn’t avoid following suit. Court officials high and low all contributed money, and these funds together amounted to a large sum. With the war consuming vast amounts from the national treasury and depleting provisions, this temporarily relieved the urgent shortage of supplies. The Emperor was greatly pleased and became even more fond of Jiang Dan.
Zhang Ji was busy daily collecting provisions and planning routes. This war with Heavenly Jin Kingdom was not to be underestimated – everything had to be done perfectly. On the third day when they should have departed, somehow news spread from the palace that Zhang Ji, leader of the supply corps, had abused his authority and withheld all military pay – fully half was missing.
This news emerged mysteriously but shocked the entire court. If withholding military pay was proven, ten heads wouldn’t be enough for Zhang Ji to lose. But this was no trivial matter – the Emperor immediately ordered people to intercept Zhang Ji and urgently summon him back to the capital.
At that time, Zhang Ji was leading the supply corps with provisions and pay, having just left the city, when he was unexpectedly arrested by Imperial Guards sent by the Emperor. This news immediately spread throughout the court and common people, making everyone fearful.
In a short time, the Emperor summoned court ministers to discuss their views on this matter. Xuan Li straightened his collar, his expression as leisurely as always, even appearing refreshed and cheerful.
Jiang Chao stood to one side with lowered head, respectfully asking: “Your Highness, everything has been arranged. Sufficient news has been released to lure people in. Not only will this incident make His Majesty trust Your Highness more, it can also be used to suppress the Fifth Prince’s faction.”
“This is just the beginning,” though Xuan Li was also pleased, he didn’t show any triumphant expression. No matter the circumstances, he always maintained calmness and patience.
“Your Highness is wise,” Jiang Chao said, then seemed to remember something as he glanced at Xuan Li. “This time we owe much to Beauty Jiang for spreading the news. It seems this cooperation went well – having her will make things much more convenient in the future.” The news had been spread by Jiang Dan. The harem housed many women, making it easy for rumors to emerge, and with each woman representing different factions behind the scenes, it appeared to be a harem but was actually more complex than the front court and easier to manipulate. With slight guidance, the desired effect could naturally be achieved. Jiang Dan was clever, had no backing, and acted cleanly – no one would suspect her. Jiang Chao sighed: “This subordinate originally thought she was timid, but now it seems that’s not entirely true. Your Highness was indeed perceptive to predict she would cooperate with us.”
Xuan Li shook his head: “Don’t underestimate women. Women are very cunning – as long as they know how to use their bodies and beauty, they can easily accomplish many things men cannot. Jiang Dan is no timid person – her ambition reaches higher than the sky. As for her willingness to cooperate with us so readily, on one hand she understands she needs to rely on our power in the palace, and on the other hand—” Xuan Li’s gaze darkened: “She has a grudge against Jiang Ruan.”
“A grudge?” Jiang Chao was puzzled: “She never did anything to Jiang Ruan in the mansion, and originally it was Jiang Ruan’s mother who raised her. Where does this enmity come from?”
Xuan Li sneered but didn’t answer. Some things Jiang Chao might not know, but he could certainly investigate. How exactly Zhao Mei had died, and how Xia Yan had initially been careful when entering the mansion yet had used Jiang Dan’s hand – when Xuan Li discovered this information, he was quite surprised himself. After all, Jiang Dan had been just a child then, yet could unhesitatingly move against her legitimate mother. This showed that from a young age, Jiang Dan had been ruthless and skilled at disguise.
Such an excellent chess piece would be too wasteful not to use for himself. He only feared Jiang Dan might lack hatred. The matter of Jiang Dan poisoning Zhao Mei could be quite useful if properly employed in the future. But exactly where to use this information required careful consideration. Jiang Chao was brave but lacking in strategy – he didn’t plan to tell him about this yet.
When Jiang Chao met with the Emperor, the civil and military officials had already divided into two distinct camps. One faction insisted Zhang Ji had withheld military pay, while the other firmly believed Zhang Ji was being framed.
Everyone knew Zhang Ji’s eldest son Zhang Ming had once been close friends with Xuan Li, so when Xuan Li entered, everyone’s gazes turned to him. Some showed righteous indignation, others schadenfreude, but all were blocked by Xuan Li’s gentle expression, as if nothing in the world could shake his composure.
Xuan Hua watched Xuan Li’s arrival with cold eyes, a sneer escaping his lips.
Just then a court minister was bowing and arguing: “Your Majesty, Zhang Ji is arrogant and only for his own greed disregards the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers, casting aside Great Jin’s grace – his crimes are truly monstrous!”
“Minister Wang speaks incorrectly. Director Zhang has managed the supply corps for years – how could he make such an error? He must have been instigated by someone with ulterior motives. This minister certainly doesn’t believe it,” another minister said.
“Instigation? Director Zhang has been an official for so many years – who could instigate him? It’s nothing more than listening to slanderous words,” another voice said with deeper meaning: “I heard Director Zhang’s three sons are growing up now…”
The words again directed suspicion toward Xuan Li. This was strange talk indeed. Zhang Ji currently lacked neither reputation nor wealth, so if someone had truly promised him something to make him risk such a grave error, that promise must have been very generous. What promise under heaven was most enticing? Naturally the Son of Heaven’s promise. And given Zhang Ji’s son’s relationship with Xuan Li, people couldn’t help but wonder if there was some conspiracy involved.
The Emperor looked gravely at the ministers below. Over just Zhang Ji’s matter, the court’s factions had become so clearly divided. He hadn’t realized that now these people didn’t even regard him as their master anymore – were they really looking down on him for his age? If something happened to him, he had no doubt that before he could even issue an edict, the realm would immediately change hands!
Eunuch Li noticed the Emperor’s expression and sighed inwardly. The princes’ competition was becoming increasingly fierce, to the point where they couldn’t even conceal it anymore. But who could know the Emperor’s mind? Particularly that person… Ah, Eunuch Li felt puzzled again – why was today’s Zhang Ji affair so abnormal? Normally, before matters were resolved, these opportunistic ministers would observe developments rather than rush to take sides. They would wait until Zhang Ji’s guilt was proven real or false before beginning to speak up. Today was truly too strange.
They naturally didn’t know that these ministers had taken early positions because someone had already given them hints. Each believed their intelligence was absolutely accurate, so their current earnest arguments were simply because they were certain their side would definitely win.
Xuan Hua’s face flashed with triumph, which Xuan Li saw and found amusing. Xuan Hua was too impatient. After all these years, though Xuan Hua had survived safely in the palace and even reached his current position through Noble Consort Xian’s guidance, his impatient nature hadn’t changed at all. In normal times, this would definitely make the Emperor suspicious. But emperors had always been suspicious by nature – the more disadvantageous the situation appeared for Xuan Li, the more the Emperor would trust him. The more Xuan Li seemed isolated and helpless and the heavier the criticism against him, the more the Emperor would hesitate. Because Xuan Li appeared too isolated, and people always sympathized with the underdog – emperors were the same. This was human nature.
However… a flash of doubt crossed Xuan Li’s eyes. Was today’s affair proceeding too smoothly? So smoothly that it gave him a strange feeling, as if it shouldn’t be this way. Originally, having Jiang Dan spread the news was only to certain people, but today some of those speaking weren’t part of the plan. Admittedly, these people had indeed advanced his plan and even made it proceed more smoothly, but such smooth progress was truly suspicious.
“Eighth Prince, what do you think of this matter?” the Emperor finally asked, looking at Xuan Li with eyes like a sharp sword, as if one wrong word from Xuan Li would immediately result in blood being spilled.
“Justice lies in people’s hearts,” Xuan Li said flatly. “I believe Father has already made his decision. This son trusts Father and Father’s ministers – we need only wait for the investigators to report their findings.”
This statement showed his position – believing Zhang Ji was innocent – while using the phrase “trusting the Emperor’s ministers” was extremely skillful. The Emperor’s expression gradually softened. Xuan Li’s response was actually more reassuring.
Seeing this, Xuan Hua’s lips curved upward. Nothing but a death struggle – today would be Xuan Li’s end!
Just then, the soldiers who had gone to investigate the military pay returned to report. They strode in and knelt to report: “Your Majesty, by your command we investigated, and the supply corps’ military pay is completely intact, not a bit missing.”
Xuan Hua’s smile froze as he heard Zhang Ji’s indignant voice from outside: “Your Majesty, this old minister has been wronged—”