The return journey was much easier than the outbound trip. After Master Baqi neutralized the poison for Jiang Ruan, Xiao Shao had used carrier pigeons to send word back to the capital. Along the way, Jiang Ruan had also seen that snow-white pigeon, born jade-white and adorable, quite spirited, and very affectionate toward her. It even had a name—Tiger Tyrant, supposedly given by Steward Lin. Truly, in a place like Prince Jinying’s residence with so many men and few women, finding an elegant name was impossible.

When they returned to Prince Jinying’s residence, Steward Lin had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Jiang Ruan return safe and sound, he was so overjoyed that tears immediately streamed down his face. He said he must immediately return to open the ancestral shrine to comfort the ancestors and thank the Xiao family’s forebears for their protection.

Lu Zhu and the others had been left at the residence because Xiao Shao needed to travel quickly and they would only delay the journey. During these days, they had indeed lost considerable weight. When Jiang Ruan stepped down from the carriage, several maids surrounded her, all asking after her health. Lu Zhu smiled: “Now Miss has finally recovered. Great disasters bring great fortune—escaping this danger calls for proper celebration.”

Bai Zhi worried: “Let’s hope no lingering effects remain, given so many years of poison. As long as Miss is fine, this servant can rest easy.”

“Why speak such dispiriting words?” Lian Qiao glared at Bai Zhi: “Now that Miss has returned safely, the past is past. Just be more careful in the future.”

Tianzhu lowered her head, her tone somewhat annoyed: “This subordinate failed to protect Young Madam. Please punish this subordinate, Young Madam.” The Jinyiwei always took their duties very seriously. Now she was Jiang Ruan’s personal shadow guard, yet she had allowed Jiang Ruan to be poisoned right under her nose—no matter how one looked at it, it was her fault.

“What does this have to do with you? It was impossible to guard against.” Jiang Ruan said gently: “The other party was simply too cunning. You couldn’t have protected against my being poisoned over ten years ago.”

Tianzhu looked at Jiang Ruan in surprise. Jiang Ruan was usually cold despite her warm exterior. Though she wouldn’t make things difficult for her servants, her attitude couldn’t be called particularly close, especially toward someone like her who had joined partway through. She would never actively offer comfort. Yet now these words were clearly meant to exonerate her. Looking at Jiang Ruan’s features again, the usual hostility seemed to have dissipated somewhat, replaced by a special kind of relief and openness.

She wondered what exactly Jiang Ruan had encountered during this trip to Jia Nan Mountain with Xiao Shao to show such differences. Tianzhu speculated to herself but still glanced at Xiao Shao. Jiang Ruan understood her thoughts and looked toward Xiao Shao: “Since you gave Tianzhu to me, I should have the authority to deal with her, right?”

Xiao Shao nodded. Jiang Ruan then smiled: “Fine, I said it has nothing to do with you. No need to request punishment.”

Tianzhu carefully glanced at Xiao Shao. Seeing no particular reaction from him, she felt somewhat grateful: “This subordinate thanks Young Madam and Young Master for your tolerance.”

Qi Feng cleared his throat twice: “Third Sister-in-law should go inside first. Be careful not to catch cold standing outside—having just recovered from serious illness, your body is still somewhat weak.”

Everyone agreed this made sense. Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi supported Jiang Ruan as she entered the house first. Xiao Shao still had matters requiring a palace visit, so after settling Jiang Ruan, he left first.

After Xiao Shao left, Jiang Ruan sat in the room. The chamber appeared somewhat messy. Bai Zhi said embarrassedly: “These past days, we servants were worried about Miss’s health and had no mind to tidy the room. We’ll clean it right away.”

“No rush,” Jiang Ruan said indifferently: “I have some other matters to instruct you about.”

“What matters?” Lu Zhu asked curiously.

“Though the poison in my body was an old chronic condition, ultimately it was triggered because someone recently used poison on me. I know who did it.” Jiang Ruan took the hot tea Lian Qiao offered and sipped it.

Tianzhu’s expression tightened: “Miss knows who it was?”

“Though I don’t know who personally administered the poison, I know who was behind it.” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Since they sent me such a great gift, how could I not respond?”

The several maids looked at each other, none understanding the meaning behind Jiang Ruan’s words. After a while, Lu Zhu said: “Is this person the same one who poisoned Miss over ten years ago? And why would they poison Miss? If it was the Grand Madam…” Lu Zhu frowned: “But the Grand Madam died long ago. How could she order someone to poison Miss now?”

“That person isn’t Xia Yan,” Jiang Ruan looked at the tea leaves floating in her cup: “This person has been targeting my life for many years. Now they’re suddenly repeating their old tricks simply because they feel I pose a threat to them again. That person is in the palace. I naturally intend to settle this account along with my mother’s.” She laughed coldly: “Xiao Shao has already made arrangements. Tomorrow morning, I’ll make them pay!”

Lian Qiao and the others exchanged glances. Since Jiang Ruan hadn’t spoken clearly, it was naturally because the person behind this was no simple matter, and she had her own plans. Having followed her so long, the several maids naturally understood her thoughts and wouldn’t keep pressing. Tianzhu asked: “What does Miss want us servants to do?”

“I’ve made complete preparations. Since that person is in the palace, I naturally must respond in the palace. Tomorrow you’ll accompany me into the palace. There are some matters I very much want to clarify.” She smiled faintly, though her gaze held piercing coldness that made even Lian Qiao and the others shiver involuntarily.

…

In a corner of the palace, Jiang Dan violently hurled the porcelain bottle in her hand to the ground. With a “crash,” the crystalline fragments scattered everywhere. The surrounding palace maids didn’t dare breathe loudly. One immediately knelt to gather the pieces, but Jiang Dan angrily shouted: “Get out!”

The palace maids were startled and quickly retreated. Only Jiang Dan remained in the vast palace hall. Her expression no longer held its usual charming loveliness but was twisted somewhat terrifyingly. She forcibly clenched her fists, unconsciously gritting her teeth.

Even for someone relatively capable of restraint, the longer one stayed in the palace and the higher one climbed, the more easily one’s true nature was exposed. And once someone became carried away, they were extremely likely to be caught. But even now, Jiang Dan remained relatively clear-headed, so before anyone could notice anything amiss, she remembered to drive all the palace maids out. She had always been careful in her conduct.

Not only had Jiang Ruan returned safely, but she had appeared in a carriage outside Prince Jinying’s residence. When this news reached her ears, Jiang Dan’s hands trembled. These past days, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get any news about Jiang Ruan. Prince Jinying’s residence was impregnable—not even a fly could escape. Right after Jiang Ruan’s incident, she didn’t dare act rashly at such a crucial moment and risk being caught. She had thought that with no news for so long, Jiang Ruan was surely doomed. Who knew Jiang Ruan would brazenly return to Prince Jinying’s residence by carriage? She didn’t even know when Jiang Ruan had left.

Not having anticipated that Jiang Ruan would be so fortunate, Jiang Dan felt more panic than anything else. This matter involved drawing out the poison. Since Jiang Ruan’s health had completely recovered, she would surely realize the poison from her youth had existed in her body. If she truly investigated, sooner or later it would trace back to her. With Jiang Ruan’s vicious nature—just look at what happened to Xia Yan’s family—she wouldn’t easily let this go. Once she discovered Jiang Dan’s role in this, Jiang Ruan definitely wouldn’t spare her.

Every time she thought of this, Jiang Dan’s heart panicked. She thought of that gray-clothed person and couldn’t help but secretly complain. Initially, they had agreed that no matter how capable Jiang Ruan was, she would surely perish this time. Who knew things would still go wrong? After thinking, she walked to a table nearby and took up a brush from the jade tube as if to write a letter to someone.

Also in the palace, someone’s mood was completely different from Jiang Dan’s. In the Southern Courtyard, as soon as Xiao Shao entered the hall, the refined young man stepped forward. Without being polite, he grabbed Xiao Shao’s sleeve: “She’s back?”

“She’s at the residence.” Xiao Shao calmly extracted his sleeve: “Does the Thirteenth Prince plan to visit my wife?”

For a minister to refer to himself as “I” before a prince—Xiao Shao was truly bold enough. But the young prince had no awareness of being bullied. His face immediately showed obvious joy: “Great! When do we leave?”

These past ten-plus days, Xuan Pei had lived like a year in the palace. Daily he thought most about Jiang Ruan’s condition. Even when the Emperor came to test his studies, he was distracted and answered many questions incorrectly. Even Liu Min could see he had something on his mind, though naturally Xuan Pei wouldn’t tell outsiders the reason. Worrying like this, with Jiang Ruan bedridden, he had lost considerable weight. Later, receiving Xiao Shao’s message that Jiang Ruan’s poison had been neutralized, only then did Xuan Pei’s heart settle. But with Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao showing no signs of returning, he became furious again, cursing Xiao Shao countless times in his heart for deviously taking Jiang Ruan away. Finally, Jiang Ruan had returned to the capital.

“No one can casually take a prince away. If Your Highness wants to visit my humble residence, find your own way out.” Xiao Shao said indifferently.

Such blatant bullying—Xuan Pei was stunned for a moment, then became extremely angry: “You’re so unreasonable! If you treat me this way, I’ll tell her…”

“What then?” Xiao Shao looked at him, clearly without any particular expression, yet his gaze was intensely pressuring.

Xuan Pei was speechless, momentarily stunned. Realizing he’d been intimidated by the other’s single glance was very embarrassing. In his shame and anger, he shouted: “She will definitely stand up for me!”

Xuan Pei had always displayed composure beyond his years in the palace. Sometimes one could say he seemed more like an adult than actual adults. Especially now that he increasingly gained the Emperor’s favor, the servants had hardly ever seen Xuan Pei act childishly. Now, being angered to the point of jumping up and down by Xiao Shao, he finally showed some rare vitality appropriate for his age.

“She is my wife. Why would she help you?” Xiao Shao continued.

“She’s also my…” Xuan Pei was about to finish when he suddenly stopped, looking up at Xiao Shao warily, though his heart seemed to surge with giant waves. This person’s scheming was so deep—just these few sentences had nearly drawn out his secret. Xiao Shao appeared cold and indifferent to everything, but actually possessed considerable observational ability. He knew mentioning Jiang Ruan would make Xuan Pei emotionally unstable and understood what words could provoke Xuan Pei’s emotions. That’s why he spoke this way. Xuan Pei’s earlier heart that wanted to compete gradually calmed. Looking at Xiao Shao, he suddenly smiled: “Prince Xiao, doing this really counts as bullying the weak, doesn’t it?”

His words carried full sarcasm, but Xiao Shao didn’t even blink: “The Thirteenth Prince is not weak.”

Xuan Pei swallowed. Who said Prince Jinying was an otherworldly, cold-faced saint? When this person turned bad, he was truly cunningly bad, able to hit people’s sore spots everywhere. Calming himself, Xuan Pei said: “I know what you want to know, but I have no obligation to tell you. Though you and she are husband and wife, but…” Xuan Pei smiled maliciously: “I suppose you’re not truly husband and wife yet.”

“The Thirteenth Prince meddles too much,” Xiao Shao reminded: “That day will come.”

Xuan Pei was unexpectedly choked by this statement again, looking at Xiao Shao strangely as if wondering whether the person before him was the same as others described. After a long while, he shook his head: “Regardless, she and you currently don’t share everything. What you want to know is a secret—this secret concerns her and me. If you truly care for her, find a way to let me leave the palace once. I must see her. There are things I need to explain to her face-to-face. After that, if she truly trusts you, she’ll naturally tell you. But I have no obligation to tell you.”

Xiao Shao looked at him silently, then nodded: “Fine.”

Seeing him agree so readily, Xuan Pei felt relieved and looked at him seriously: “Previously you saved her life. No matter what, I should thank you on her behalf. Whatever happens, my purpose is the same as yours—neither of us would harm her.” This was the first time Xuan Pei had sincerely yielded to Xiao Shao, perhaps because Xiao Shao had found a way to neutralize Jiang Ruan’s poison, earning Xuan Pei’s heartfelt gratitude.

Xiao Shao glanced at him: “I saved my own wife. What does that have to do with you? No need for thanks.”

Xuan Pei: “…”

…

Jiang Ruan had been back at Prince Jinying’s residence for barely half an hour when Jiang Xinzhi, having received the news, rushed back from the military camp. Again he pulled Jiang Ruan aside for a long string of health advice. If she didn’t know her eldest brother was military-trained, Jiang Ruan would suspect Jiang Xinzhi was planning to change careers to become a doctor. She hadn’t told the General’s residence about her poisoning, keeping this news from them. If Zhao Guang knew someone had targeted their mother and son over ten years ago, he would probably immediately go turn the Minister’s residence upside down. But now wasn’t the right time.

When Jiang Xinzhi brought up the matter, beyond lingering fear, he was mostly angry: “What exactly happened? Xiao Shao won’t tell me who wanted to poison you, and you don’t plan to tell me either?”

Bai Zhi served plum blossom honey water. Jiang Ruan pushed a cup toward Jiang Xinzhi and comforted him: “I know who that person is. I’m just not wanting to alert them by acting rashly now. Elder Brother, rest easy—tomorrow morning I’ll resolve this matter. For me, this isn’t difficult. With Xiao Shao’s help, nothing will go wrong. Elder Brother knows what kind of person I am—I’d never let myself be schemed against for nothing.”

“Ah Ruan, I’m your elder brother.” Jiang Xinzhi was frustrated: “You’d rather tell Xiao Shao than me. Do you think your brother is useless, so you don’t want to tell me and let me handle it?” Jiang Xinzhi felt somewhat aggrieved. This sister truly wasn’t his sister anymore after marrying. Previously, how considerate Jiang Ruan had been toward him. He said: “When you were bullied as a child, it was always your brother who stood up for you. How have you forgotten now…”

Jiang Ruan helplessly held her forehead: “Elder Brother, what are you saying? How does this relate to me thinking you’re useless? I’ll naturally tell you about this matter, just not now. Can’t you wait even one night? Besides, not letting you interfere is because your current position isn’t right. You’re a general—interfering in these matters would always invite gossip. Xiao Shao is different. His Jinyiwei are unlike soldiers, naturally handling shadowy affairs and are handy to use. He’s my husband, his people are my people. Elder Brother, if you don’t like him, are you dissatisfied with me?”

Jiang Xinzhi was speechless: “How could I be dissatisfied with you? I earned this position precisely so you wouldn’t be bullied. If after gaining this position I still have to fear what people say and think twice before standing up for you, what’s the point of climbing so high?” Seeing Jiang Ruan’s slightly stunned expression, Jiang Xinzhi softened and quickly said, fearing she might overthink and affect her recovery: “Alright, whatever you say goes. I won’t interfere. But tomorrow you must find that person for me. Daring to harm you—I’ll personally cripple them!”

Jiang Ruan smiled. Jiang Xinzhi looked at her and suddenly sighed: “Though I don’t know why, after this trip to Xiao Shao’s sect, you seem much more cheerful. I suppose this is all Xiao Shao’s credit.”

Jiang Ruan was startled: “Why does Elder Brother say this?”

“You’re my sister—naturally I understand you.” Jiang Xinzhi shook his head: “I always felt you had something on your mind, even after marrying. But coming back this time, your temperament seems much changed. I didn’t like Xiao Shao before, thinking his nature too cold to properly care for you.” Jiang Xinzhi paused: “But now it seems he treats you quite well. I said before—Ah Ruan, you’re so wonderful, how could anyone in this world not like you? Xiao Shao’s judgment isn’t bad. Your attitude toward him now… isn’t the alliance relationship you spoke of before, is it?”

Had she shown it so obviously? Jiang Ruan’s heart paused, then she laughed: “Does Elder Brother dislike me being this way?”

“No, I’m very happy.” Jiang Xinzhi smiled slightly: “If someone in this world makes you happy, regardless of who they are, I’m glad for you.” Jiang Xinzhi reached out to pat her head: “As long as they treat you well, that’s enough.”

The siblings talked more. Jiang Xinzhi didn’t dare speak too long with Jiang Ruan for fear of affecting her rest. Soon he rose to leave, carefully instructing Lian Qiao and the others before departing, saying he’d come to the residence again tomorrow to see her. After Jiang Xinzhi left, Jiang Ruan rested a while. As evening gradually approached, after taking her medicine, Jiang Ruan looked over account books in her room. She’d had no time to examine the residence’s accounts while at Jia Nan Mountain, and now with nothing else to do, she flipped through them.

Bai Zhi approached and advised: “It’s getting late. Miss should rest early. These account books can be read later.”

“That’s right,” Lu Zhu winked mischievously: “The Young Master is waiting in the bedchamber. Miss has been in the study the whole time—be careful of catching cold, or the Young Master will give us servants trouble again.”

Anyone with eyes could see that something seemed different between Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao since returning this time. Their improved relationship delighted the servants. Lu Zhu was especially creative in trying to bring the two together.

Lian Qiao flicked Lu Zhu’s forehead: “You little hussy, how dare you tease Miss like this? Seems Miss treats you too well, making you increasingly lawless.” She looked at Jiang Ruan with a grin: “Though what she said is quite apt—Miss’s health can’t handle strain now. Better to rest early so the Young Master won’t worry.”

Watching her maids joke around, Jiang Ruan suddenly remembered the dream scenes from when she was unconscious from poisoning. In her previous life, she never encountered these several maids in the end. She suddenly sighed deeply: “How many years have you followed me?”

Lian Qiao and the others were startled—none had expected Jiang Ruan to suddenly bring this up. Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi exchanged glances: “This servant and Bai Zhi have served Miss since childhood—about sixteen years now.”

Lu Zhu blinked: “This servant has followed Miss since the manor—about six years.”

“This subordinate has followed Young Madam for two years,” Tianzhu said softly.

“It’s been so many years already.” Jiang Ruan said quietly.

“Miss…” Bai Zhi worried.

Jiang Ruan waved her hand and smiled: “I’m just feeling sentimental. You’ve followed me all these years, yet seem to have lived poorly. On the surface things look bright, but dangers lurk everywhere. Speaking of it, this is your mistress’s fault.”

This statement seemed inexplicable. Lu Zhu quickly said: “Miss must never say such things. We servants are blessed to follow someone as considerate as Miss. Miss treats us very well—we’ve never felt wronged.”

Lian Qiao and the others quickly agreed. Jiang Ruan smiled: “Never mind. I’ll rest first. You should also sleep early—we must enter the palace early tomorrow.” She stood up. Tianzhu quickly draped an outer garment over her, and Jiang Ruan left the study for the bedchamber.

Night had fallen, and Prince Jinying’s residence sank into silence. No sounds could be heard at night—it seemed perfectly peaceful. Past midnight, light snow began falling, making the ground damp and icy, easy to slip on if one wasn’t careful.

In such darkness, an inconspicuous figure suddenly appeared in the courtyard, seemingly getting up for a midnight trip to the latrine. But when passing the outermost wall, they seemed to casually crouch down and brush something into a spot at the wall’s base.

At that instant, light suddenly blazed. In the pitch-black night, several torches appeared, brightly illuminating the person. Startled, they quickly crouched down covering their face with their hands, keeping their head low to prevent others from seeing their features.

A voice rang out clearly in the night: “Young Madam, we caught them! There really was an intruder!”

Another person said: “Hey, lift your face—who is this person?”

The person’s body trembled, burying their head even lower. This was truly catching a turtle in a jar. Behind the guards, Jiang Ruan slowly emerged from behind. She held a torch in her hand, the firelight making her features appear cold and beautiful, yet her gaze held faint compassion and barely perceptible disappointment.