In fact, they didn’t have to wait until the third day. By noon of the second day, the soldiers responsible for escorting the exiled prisoners had already sent word by carrier pigeon – the three generations of the Xia family and Jiang Chao had all committed suicide out of guilt during the exile journey.
This was the official story, though whether it was true or false remained unknown. With the vast mountains and long roads, since the bodies were still there, no one cared to investigate whether it was really the case. A generation of nobles had thus fallen, meeting such an end, yet the common people all applauded – those who had burned military provisions with a single fire were truly heinous criminals. Who knew what evil intentions they harbored?
When Qi Feng brought back the news, seeing Jiang Ruan merely respond with a light acknowledgment, he said: “Third Sister-in-law, why do you seem so indifferent? Aren’t you afraid they were rescued by someone?”
“When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked,” Jiang Ruan casually organized the account books before her. Since she entered the manor, Steward Lin had truly treated her as the mistress of Prince Jinying’s manor, handing over all the household management rights to Jiang Ruan. Even when she declined, the account books and storehouse keys were still given to her. She originally didn’t want to deal with these matters, but it was ultimately Xiao Shao’s manor – leaving everything completely unattended wouldn’t be proper either, so she gained an additional daily task. She said: “The Xia family served as Xuan Li’s sword in court for so many years, they have plenty of mortal enemies. Since Xuan Li has already treated the Xia family as discarded pawns, he’s even less likely to make any moves. Being killed during exile and finding a convenient excuse of ‘suicide from guilt’ isn’t bad either. It’s just a pity they were freed so quickly.”
“This time you guessed wrong.” Qi Feng smiled: “It wasn’t the Xia family’s enemies who acted.”
“Xuan Li acted, didn’t he,” Jiang Ruan said lightly: “He’s quite bold.”
“How did you know?” Qi Feng was startled.
“Xuan Li wants to protect the tunnel and doesn’t dare let the tunnel’s secret leak out, so naturally he must sacrifice the Xia family and Jiang Chao. But the Xia family and Jiang Chao worked under Xuan Li for so many years – they more or less know what Xuan Li wants to do, and naturally they have some leverage too. If Xuan Li wants to silence them permanently, how could he allow the Xia family to live?” Jiang Ruan said: “I imagine the Xia family thought getting exile as a result was still due to Xuan Li’s maneuvering, believing they would have a chance to rise again someday, which is why they were so compliant without resistance. But they actually sent themselves to a dead end.”
Qi Feng touched his nose: “Your guess is pretty much spot on.” He said: “The Embroidered Uniform Guards I sent to watch reported that when the Xia family father and son and Jiang Chao realized it was Xuan Li who sent people to silence them, their faces all changed. Unfortunately, it was too late – regret was useless. Third Sister-in-law, I took the liberty of having someone bring back Xia Jun and Jiang Chao’s heads,” he watched Jiang Ruan’s expression: “How does Third Sister-in-law want to handle them?”
Hearing Qi Feng’s words, Jiang Ruan was slightly surprised. She hadn’t expected Qi Feng would do such a thing. In fact, several of Xiao Shao’s sworn brothers all had protective habits like Xiao Shao. While Guan Lianghan and Mo Cong had considerable criticism of Jiang Ruan, after these few days of interaction, Qi Feng was genuinely considerate toward Jiang Ruan. Someone as naturally brilliant as him had always appreciated people as clever as himself. In his eyes, Jiang Ruan was almost demonically intelligent, which he truly admired. Since he considered Jiang Ruan one of his own, Qi Feng had secretly investigated the grievances Xia Jun and Jiang Chao had with Jiang Ruan, feeling indignant about Jiang Ruan’s experiences. Only then did he understand why Jiang Ruan wanted to suppress these two so thoroughly. He didn’t think Jiang Ruan had done anything wrong at all. Instead, he admired her meticulous nature and naturally wanted to help Jiang Ruan vent her anger. If Jiang Ruan wanted to do anything, he would naturally assist.
Qi Feng had anticipated that given the past grievances between Jiang Chao, Xia Jun and Jiang Ruan, she must feel regretful not being able to personally eliminate her enemies. Bringing back their heads might compensate her somewhat. But unexpectedly, after Jiang Ruan’s initial surprise, she said indifferently: “It doesn’t matter. Do whatever you want with them.”
“You don’t hate them?” Seeing Jiang Ruan so cold, Qi Feng was stunned and asked uncertainly.
“The people are already dead. I’ve achieved my goal. Spending more effort on this would just be wasting time.” Jiang Ruan said.
Qi Feng thought for a moment and said: “Fine, then I’ll burn these two heads clean with fire. I don’t want to let them rest in peace.”
This person usually maintained a steady and wise appearance. It was rare to encounter such childish words. Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but find it amusing, and the corners of her lips curved up slightly. Her usual smiles always carried some coldness and didn’t reach her eyes. But this relaxed smile made her eyes curve gently, with the upturned corners softening slightly – a different kind of bright and beautiful charm. Qi Feng couldn’t help but stare, his heart seemingly touched by something. Then he quickly lowered his head, somewhat evasively saying: “Since that’s the case, we can consider this matter settled. Third Sister-in-law, I still have some things to do, so I’ll take my leave first.” After speaking, he hurriedly departed.
Though Jiang Ruan found it strange how he suddenly left, she wouldn’t waste mental energy on this. Now that the Xia family had fallen, she wondered what Xuan Li was thinking at this moment. She smiled slightly, but a trace of joy slowly rose in her heart: Xuan Li, just wait. Wait and watch your imperial enterprise slowly, slowly, slowly be destroyed in my hands.
…
In the Eighth Prince’s manor, Xuan Li showed a dejected expression on his face for the first time. The teacup in front of him had long been overturned, clearly showing that the master had just vented his anger.
“Your Highness, please calm your anger.” Seeing their master like this, the advisors all came forward to console him: “Although the Xia family has fallen, it’s not a complete loss. After all, the Fifth Prince hasn’t made any major moves either. Your Highness shouldn’t let anger harm your health. As long as the green mountains remain, there’s no fear of lacking firewood.”
“What do you understand!” Xuan Li’s face was dark as water: “One Xia family wouldn’t make me so dejected. What I’m angry about is that after all this time, we still haven’t rooted out the person behind this. A bunch of useless fools!” He spoke too hastily, his tone carrying breathlessness. The advisors looked at each other, all not daring to breathe heavily.
Xuan Li had personally sent people to kill the Xia family father and sons to eliminate future troubles. Such an action was tantamount to cutting off his own arm. Though he claimed the Xia family wasn’t important, over these many years, many of Xuan Li’s affairs had to be completed through the Xia manor’s hands. This was a handy and familiar good blade. Just when the succession struggle was within reach, having to change blades temporarily was extremely hateful for him. Moreover, the Emperor had confiscated all of the Xia family’s wealth, which meant all the silver he used to obtain from the Xia family annually was now completely gone.
From now on, where would the silver to win over officials come from?
What was even more vexing was that this time, everything had been planned flawlessly, yet somehow went wrong midway. On the surface, it seemed like Xia Jun and Jiang Chao had failed in their duties, but Xuan Li knew in his heart that the sudden arrival of the city garrison commander must have had other reasons. He just didn’t know what those reasons were. He had tried to probe indirectly, but unfortunately, that official was as stubborn as iron and wouldn’t budge, perhaps truly knowing nothing. Someone must be controlling this matter from behind the scenes. Just thinking that this person was so cunning, constantly playing the role of inviting him into a trap, made Xuan Li feel chilled to the bone.
All along, he had maintained a gentle and refined posture. Even when acting ruthlessly, he was in the light while enemies were in the dark, always proceeding step by step. But he didn’t know when it started – everything he did would encounter obstruction. Xuan Lang’s death, He Yi’s death, Xia family’s downfall, Consort Chen’s loss of favor – he didn’t know when all his advantages had disappeared. It was as if an invisible hand was pushing all of this, seemingly targeting him alone. He was in the open while others were in the shadows, treating him like prey and step by step luring him into traps.
Xuan Li had always been patient and scheming, but for the first time, he felt anxious and uneasy. A series of events were like a huge boulder, disrupting his calm heart.
Xuan Li’s most intelligent advisor looked at him with some worry. Xuan Li had always been more steady than others, but now his heart was in chaos – this was a great taboo. Once the heart became chaotic, it was easy to make mistakes. If someone was truly manipulating all this from behind, that person certainly wouldn’t let Xuan Li’s mistakes pass…
Xuan Li’s face showed increasing irritation. He had already sent many people to investigate but found nothing. How extensive was the power of the person behind this to hide so deeply? Originally, only he and Xuan Hua had a chance in the succession struggle, but somehow the Emperor had begun to value the Thirteenth Prince Xuan Pei. Originally, he thought Xuan Pei’s status was lowly and he had no maternal family support, so no matter what, he wasn’t qualified to compete for the heir apparent position. Now he felt otherwise. The Emperor’s intimacy toward Xuan Pei was comparable to even the once-favored Fourth Prince, and he had even assigned the Crown Prince’s tutor Liu Min to him. This wasn’t a good sign.
Seeing Xuan Li’s expression changing unpredictably and becoming increasingly gloomy, the advisor hurriedly comforted: “Your Highness needn’t worry too much. No matter how capable that person is, at least we still have those eight hundred carts of military provisions. As long as we have these provisions, Your Highness hasn’t lost.”
Military provisions? Xuan Li slowly calmed down. Thinking of the military provisions, his depression dissipated somewhat. That’s right, he hadn’t lost yet. Those eight hundred carts of military provisions were still in his hands. As long as he had the provisions and sent them to the Tian Jin Kingdom, he could exchange them for substantial benefits. Using the Xia family’s silver to prepare military provisions again would still take some time. In this war, he might not necessarily be the loser. Although he couldn’t wipe out the Embroidered Uniform Guard completely, the Embroidered Uniform Guard wasn’t guaranteed to win either. Right now, the military provisions were being transported non-stop through the tunnel to the courier station outside the capital. Once they reached the station, these eight hundred carts of provisions would have nothing to do with the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Steadying himself, Xuan Li was about to summon someone to ask about the military provisions when he saw a guard stumbling in, his expression completely panicked. He shouted: “Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Something terrible!”
Xuan Li shot up from his seat, his heart racing instantly. He stared motionlessly at the guard: “What happened?”
“The military provisions, the military provisions—” The guard’s voice almost broke into tears: “The military provisions are gone—”
With a “crack,” Xuan Li’s teacup immediately crashed to the ground.
…
Unlike the chaotic scene at the Eighth Prince’s manor, somewhere else was currently filled with joy and celebration.
Jin San sat down on the ground with a thud, patting the dust from his clothes: “The young mistress truly has divine foresight. To think of such a method of snatching food from a tiger’s mouth – if I were that good-for-nothing gentle prince, I’d have hanged myself with a rope long ago. Can’t even compare to a sheltered young lady – what kind of hero is that!”
Jin Si shook his head: “What sheltered young lady? I think most men in this world can’t compare to her. Xuan Li chose the young mistress as his opponent – that’s truly eight lifetimes of bad luck. Even calculating His Majesty’s thoughts into the plan – I’m afraid others might have the idea but not the courage.”
Hearing these two speak this way, Lu Zhu immediately showed a proud smile, puffing out her chest: “That’s natural. My young lady is certainly the very best. Though I wouldn’t say she has everything in the palm of her hand, at least whatever she wants to accomplish, she can definitely achieve. My young lady is not only smart but also beautiful. Looking throughout the capital, who can match my young lady’s national beauty? Whoever marries my young lady has truly found treasure!”
“Listening to you talk, it’s as if you’re the smart one,” Jin Er walked over and knocked Lu Zhu on the head: “The young mistress may be smart and beautiful, but unfortunately the maid beside her isn’t much. Looking you up and down like this – whoever marries you is truly unlucky.”
“Scoundrel—” Lu Zhu immediately bristled: “Who are you talking about?”
These two bickered and fought, completely ignoring the mischievous expressions on everyone around them. This was also a tunnel, but not Xuan Li’s tunnel. Jiang Ruan had previously instructed people to guard the entrance to Xuan Li’s tunnel. Once the eight hundred carts of military provisions arrived, they should intercept and kill Xuan Li’s people. The Embroidered Uniform Guard made their living by killing, so naturally they were experienced at this. They used Xuan Li’s tunnel to transport the provisions out of the city, but instead of sending them to the other courier station, they diverted them to the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s tunnel.
Any organization always has some secret chambers and tunnels. Though Jiang Ruan wasn’t very familiar with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, she knew such things must exist. Indeed, there was such a place. The Embroidered Uniform Guard transported the military provisions to their own tunnel, then used other methods to take another route, disguising as merchants to send them to the border. This both solved the border’s military provision problem and infuriated Xuan Li.
Given Xuan Li’s temperament, learning that the military provisions had disappeared without explanation would certainly make him furious. This matter came strangely, but with the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s methods, Xuan Li wouldn’t be able to trace it here for a while. This way, Xuan Li would be immersed daily in confusion about this matter. And with his suspicious nature, he would surely suspect his tunnel had been discovered. This was truly killing without bloodshed – keeping someone immersed daily in fear and anxiety was torture even for those with the most resilient minds.
“What I find strange is how she knew about Xuan Li’s tunnel?” Ye Feng pondered. This tunnel had never been used for so many years – even the Embroidered Uniform Guard hadn’t discovered it. Now it was Xuan Li’s first time using it, yet Jiang Ruan seemed to know everything in detail as if she had long been aware. For the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who made their living from intelligence, this was truly mystifying.
Jin Er and Jin San both looked at Lu Zhu. Noticing their expressions, Lu Zhu stepped back: “Why are you looking at me? I’m the young lady’s maid, not a roundworm in her belly.” After thinking, she added: “Besides, the young lady is now the princess of Prince Jinying’s manor – she’s your master. What is there for you to suspect?”
“Exactly,” Tian Zhu also stood up, looking around before saying: “She’s also your master. Mind your positions.”
Ye Feng awkwardly lowered his head. He felt somewhat puzzled, but in just this short time, Jiang Ruan had unconsciously won over so many hearts. She probably hadn’t even noticed that the Embroidered Uniform Guard now found her increasingly handy to work with. Xiao Shao’s Embroidered Uniform Guard wasn’t actually meant to participate in court struggles – that’s not what they had done for so many years. Now that Jiang Ruan wanted them to participate, yet no one objected – this itself was already a remarkable phenomenon.
…
Far away at the border thousands of li distant, everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion. They seemed completely unaware of such events in the capital. Outside the tents was currently bustling with activity – campfires burned brightly, illuminating everyone’s faces. A crowd of soldiers was cheering and celebrating, with beautiful foreign women in revealing clothes dancing and singing from time to time.
No matter how brave the Great Jin Dynasty’s soldiers were, they couldn’t withstand the consumption of this desert grassland. The rapid depletion of supplies wasn’t something everyone could handle. Without reinforcements, the Tian Jin Kingdom held the geographical advantage and didn’t face the Jin Dynasty soldiers’ troubles. Moreover, the news they heard was that the Jin Dynasty’s military provisions had been completely burned, with no other way to resupply grain temporarily. This meant that in future confrontations, the Great Jin Dynasty would very likely run out of supplies and be defeated without fighting.
So today these soldiers were celebrating here. They sang and drank, confident of victory, probably not knowing whether this war should continue – after all, those hundred thousand Embroidered Uniform Guards would eventually become their prisoners, just like the person currently in the main tent.
Yuan Chuan – the man in the gray cloak stood quietly far from the campfire, his gaze somewhat gloomy. A young soldier beside him raised a cup of wine to toast him: “Military Advisor, this great victory is all due to your protection. I toast you!”
Yuan Chuan smiled and accepted the wine, drinking it in one gulp. The firelight outlined his figure beautifully and mysteriously, his chin beautiful and seductive. He turned to look at those singing and laughing soldiers, everyone’s faces full of joy. But… why had communication with the Great Jin Dynasty been cut off since news of the burned military provisions? This wasn’t normal. Those self-proclaimed elegant Central Plains people loved doing treacherous things most. Could this alliance also be unreliable as it appeared on the surface? Or had some change occurred? Yuan Chuan slowly lowered his head.
In the tent, the young man looked at the girl busying herself beside him, frowning slightly: “You don’t need to do this. Put it down.”
“Deputy General Jiang, I’m your maid. These are all things I should do.” The girl Jin’er smiled at him. These days she seemed to play the role of personal servant quite well, if one didn’t look at those clumsy flaws.
No servant would be unable to clear dishes, not know how to serve food, or be completely ignorant of rules and etiquette. Mending and washing were even more disastrous. For instance, right now, tidying the tent was filling the entire space with dust.
“This is the desert. You’re just stirring up dust like this.” Jiang Xinzhi finally couldn’t stand it and stopped her.
Jin’er paused, put down her work, and stuck out her tongue somewhat embarrassedly: “Sorry, Deputy General Jiang. I’ll stop right away.” If not for that unseemly large scar on her cheek, this expression would have been quite charming and cute. Her temperament was excellent – no matter how coldly Jiang Xinzhi treated her, she could always cheerfully finish everything by herself. Though she caused trouble daily, sometimes when Jiang Xinzhi watched her bustling about frantically, he found her somewhat endearing.
Yuan Chuan would periodically drag Jiang Xinzhi away for interrogation. The interrogation process was naturally horrific to witness. When he returned, he was covered in wounds. Jin’er would watch with tears in her eyes, looking genuinely heartbroken – not like she was pretending. Gradually, Jiang Xinzhi began to feel this Jin’er didn’t seem like the enemy’s spy.
Seeing him lost in thought, Jin’er brought over the food nearby: “Everyone outside is celebrating today, so the food is quite good. Deputy General Jiang should have some too.” As she spoke, she uncovered the food basket, and immediately a delicious aroma reached Jiang Xinzhi’s nose. Inside was a plate of roasted beef and several grayish dry flatbreads.
Jin’er blinked: “I stole a few flatbreads, and I asked others for the beef. Please try some.”
Since Jin’er’s arrival, Jiang Xinzhi’s meals often had a few extra dishes – naturally Jin’er’s “kindness,” though this was completely unnecessary. But Jin’er was extremely persistent about providing him extra meals, insisting on watching him finish her additional treats.
Today’s flatbread was probably the same. The food the Southern Frontier people prepared for him certainly wasn’t these things. He was too lazy to fuss about it and after eating a few bites asked: “Why are they celebrating?”
Jin’er paused and turned away: “Who knows? Probably thinking they have victory in hand and celebrating randomly. Deputy General Jiang needn’t pay attention – these people will all be defeated in the end.”
Seeing her expression, Jiang Xinzhi’s heart jumped as he understood somewhat – probably the Jin Dynasty’s army had suffered another defeat. His heart grew heavy, and he couldn’t eat anymore. He just stared thoughtfully at the flatbread.
Seeing her words had made Jiang Xinzhi so silent, Jin’er became anxious: “Deputy General Jiang, don’t overthink it. You must not give up. This war will definitely end soon, and you’ll be rescued quickly. These people are just jumping clowns who will all be utterly defeated in the end.”
Her tone was serious and full of hope. Jiang Xinzhi looked at her – the firelight in the tent cast a soft pearlescent glow on her face, even blurring that terrible scar. The girl’s bright eyes were as clear as spring water, inexplicably moving.
Jiang Xinzhi quietly looked at her and suddenly said in a low voice: “Who exactly are you?”
Jin’er paused, looking at him: “What?”
“The food the Southern Frontier people give me contains muscle-weakening powder – I can’t use my martial arts. After you came, the amount of muscle-weakening powder decreased, and my martial arts are slowly recovering. You did this deliberately. Who exactly are you?” Jiang Xinzhi stared at her unblinkingly. He had guessed Jin’er wasn’t ordinary, but he had no clue what kind of person she was. She didn’t seem like an enemy from her appearance, but one of his own people? Yet she seemed somewhat strange.
“I… I…” Under the pressure of Jiang Xinzhi’s interrogating gaze, Jin’er’s face gradually reddened as she stammered: “I’m Ruanruan’s friend… I came to rescue you.”