Deep in the night with heavy dew, while most places were pitch black, one corner of the palace was brightly lit. Inside the bedchamber with ornate clothing and rich curtains, a woman sat alone before her dressing mirror, somewhat agitatedly combing her long black hair.
Jiang Dan unconsciously looked into the mirror. The woman reflected was currently in the prime of her youth, but after washing her face at night, without those elaborate ornaments, her originally pretty face appeared somewhat pale and weak. She slowly reached out with her hennaed hand to touch her own face. How much longer could such beauty last? If she couldn’t grasp something while young and beautiful, how could she be content?
Thinking of the news Zhu’er had brought back today—the imperial prison was guarding Jiang Quan so tightly that the people she sent couldn’t find any opportunity to act. Clearly, the other side was prepared. The more this was the case, the more uneasy Jiang Dan felt. As long as Jiang Quan lived, he remained a potential threat to her. Her understanding of Jiang Ruan made her realize that Jiang Ruan would never easily let her go—keeping Jiang Quan alive was the best explanation. But if Jiang Quan couldn’t be touched, what could she do?
Jiang Dan sighed, her gaze falling on the dancing flame in the candle before her. The letter she had just burned was unrecognizable, already turned to ash, but its contents were deeply imprinted in her mind. She had sent a message to Xuan Li, tentatively asking if he had any thoughts about eliminating Prince Jinying Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan. She understood that Xuan Li wouldn’t consider a woman like Jiang Ruan an opponent, much less expend great effort dealing with her—the only outlet was through Xiao Shao. From her position in the palace, Jiang Dan believed she could see the court situation clearly. If Xuan Li wanted to sit on that throne, Xiao Shao was a stumbling block. Though currently neutral without direct conflict, someday Xuan Li wouldn’t be able to tolerate this thorn in his side.
No emperor likes subjects whose power exceeds their own. Jiang Dan had originally thought Xuan Li would be happy to deal with Xiao Shao. If they dealt with Xiao Shao and slightly implicated Jiang Ruan, once it involved state affairs, even Empress Dowager Yide couldn’t save her. But Xuan Li’s reply was brief and clear—he refused Jiang Dan’s proposal and wouldn’t act against Xiao Shao.
Jiang Dan felt both puzzled and annoyed, but had no recourse. In this transaction with Xuan Li, she had always been passive because she lacked sufficient bargaining power to be on equal footing with him. Xuan Li was extremely careful in his actions—even their correspondence showed nothing special. No seals, completely different handwriting, nothing that could serve as leverage.
Time was running short. Before Jiang Quan’s sentencing, Jiang Ruan would certainly take action against her. Jiang Dan looked at the woman in the mirror—everything she had now was fought for desperately with her life. She had endured humiliation and submission in the Minister’s mansion, bowing and scraping, all for the day she could rise above others. Among the illegitimate daughters, Jiang Li had died, and even Jiang Susu, the legitimate daughter, was nothing but smoke. She had finally reached such heights—how could she let everything before her dissolve into nothing?
She slowly extended her index finger, her blood-red nail scraping heavily across the bronze mirror, creating a sharp scratching sound. Her eyes gradually showed a trace of sinister cruelty. No matter what, only permanently eliminating future troubles was the right solution.
…
The next morning, in the palace’s imperial garden, Liu Min was walking toward the South Garden with Xuan Pei, chatting as they went. The Emperor had just tested Xuan Pei’s studies in the imperial study. The Emperor seemed to be in poor spirits, and even his favored consorts dared not provoke him. Liu Min knew this matter was probably connected to Jiang Ruan—her bringing her birth father to the Court of Judicial Review was now known throughout Great Jin. Some said she violated filial piety; others said her actions were understandable. In Liu Min’s heart, Jiang Ruan had her reasons. Moreover, what Jiang Quan had done was indeed worse than a beast—having such a father was worse than having none.
When the Emperor was in a bad mood, only Xuan Pei could cheer him up. Thinking of this, Liu Min looked at Xuan Pei with some amazement. Though young, this child seemed able to firmly grasp people’s hearts. They say the imperial heart is unfathomable, but in Liu Min’s eyes, Xuan Pei clearly understood the Emperor’s thoughts completely. When the Emperor glared, he knew what to say to ease the atmosphere. Already clever and wise, choosing only comforting words to say, the Emperor was becoming increasingly dependent on Xuan Pei. Some originally neutral old ministers in court were beginning to consider whether to choose Xuan Pei’s side.
Xuan Pei noticed Liu Min’s gaze and looked up at him with a half-smile: “What is Grand Tutor Liu thinking about?”
Liu Min suddenly came to his senses. Though he now held the title of Grand Tutor, he no longer taught the Crown Prince but instead tutored this Thirteenth Prince daily. Though the Empress had complaints, she was helpless since the Crown Prince wasn’t suited for study. Moreover, Liu Min found teaching Xuan Pei much easier. Even regarding court situation analysis, Xuan Pei clearly saw things more clearly than he, a subject, did. Most princes viewed situations from top to bottom, unable to penetrate to the common people, but Xuan Pei did the opposite—viewing from bottom to top, he could see many shortcomings of common people and those in low positions. Often, the talent he displayed really didn’t seem like that of a child.
“This subject was thinking that Your Highness answered extremely well before His Majesty today—your studies have probably advanced again,” Liu Min smiled.
“Grand Tutor Liu, do you know the consequences of deceiving this prince?” Xuan Pei raised an eyebrow: “For the Grand Tutor not to speak truthfully is quite surprising.”
Liu Min was startled. He always felt Xuan Pei had an almost supernatural intuition for understanding people’s hearts—somewhat similar to Jiang Ruan in this regard. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly saw a woman in fine clothing approaching from afar, followed by several palace maids. Xuan Pei followed his gaze and unconsciously frowned, appearing quite disgusted, though after a moment he put on an innocent smile.
The woman also saw them both. After pausing briefly, she continued toward them. When she reached the two men, she smiled and curtsied: “Thirteenth Prince, Grand Tutor Liu.”
“Jiang Zhaoyi.” Xuan Pei smiled and merely nodded. As a prince, he naturally needn’t bow to Jiang Dan, whose rank was lower. Though this was natural behavior, when done by Xuan Pei, it seemed to carry a trace of subtle contempt, as if he didn’t regard her at all.
Jiang Dan’s expression remained unchanged, still smiling warmly and enthusiastically: “Your Highness probably just came from His Majesty’s study? His Majesty has often mentioned Your Highness to this subject recently. Your Highness studies very well—when His Majesty speaks of it, he’s quite pleased.” Her expression was sincere, and she usually had no airs, never acting high and mighty like Wang Lian’er or Mu Xirou. She was truly amiable. Now speaking softly with a smile, she seemed genuinely speaking for Xuan Pei.
But Xuan Pei never fell for such tricks. He also smiled, his snow-white teeth neat and cute, his smile quite beautiful: “Jiang Zhaoyi understands Father Emperor’s thoughts so thoroughly—you even seem to know this prince’s whereabouts clearly.” Ignoring Jiang Dan’s slightly changing expression, he said seemingly casually: “If Father Emperor knew Jiang Zhaoyi cared so much about this prince, he would probably be very moved.”
Jiang Dan forced a smile: “What is Your Highness saying? How would this subject dare…” If Xuan Pei’s words reached the Emperor’s ears, who knew what storms would arise? The palace situation was currently turbulent with increasing undercurrents between the princes. The Emperor was most wary of harem interference in politics—if he knew she was clearly investigating the Emperor’s and princes’ movements, what would he think? Would he suspect her of ulterior motives? Jiang Dan hated Xuan Pei to the bone. This Thirteenth Prince was truly a smiling tiger—usually gentle and harmless on the surface, but young as he was, full of scheming ideas. His words were often deadly, truly vicious.
Such a prince—if she could establish connections, she might secure a future position. Unfortunately, Jiang Dan thought bitterly, Xuan Pei was particularly close to that bitch Jiang Ruan! Though these two seemed to have no previous connection, when Jiang Ruan was falsely accused of killing Princess Heyi, Xuan Pei had helped considerably. Whenever Xuan Pei visited Empress Dowager Yide and encountered Jiang Ruan, he would chat with her, never treating her with such barbed remarks. Jiang Dan was always good at observing subtle relationships between people. Somehow Jiang Ruan had won Xuan Pei’s favor—though they had no blood relation, their sibling-like affection was enviable, making one gnash their teeth in hatred.
Like now, Jiang Dan firmly believed Xuan Pei’s deliberate blindness to her overtures and trampling on her was definitely related to Jiang Ruan. She took a deep breath, calming her inner irritation before saying: “Your Highness probably has other matters. This subject won’t disturb you further.”
“Jiang Zhaoyi is indeed understanding—no wonder Father Emperor favors you.” Xuan Pei looked at her meaningfully: “But being too understanding isn’t necessarily a good thing.”
Leaving this remark, Xuan Pei no longer spared Jiang Dan a glance, brushing past her. Jiang Dan dared not linger. She always felt Xuan Pei’s gaze seemed familiar—exactly like Jiang Ruan’s. Whenever looked at by those eyes, it felt as if everything in her heart could be perceived by the other. All her actions seemed like a clown’s performance, leaving nothing but mockery.
She kept walking forward. In such haste and anxiety, she actually collided head-on with someone. A eunuch beside that person angrily said: “Who’s so blind? Bumping into the Fifth Prince!”
Jiang Dan was stunned. Looking up, the man before her was indeed Xuan Hua. The eunuch also recognized her and smiled apologetically: “It’s Zhaoyi Niangniang.”
Xuan Hua had been quite well-behaved in court lately, with no other movements for a long time. But from Xuan Li’s behavior, Xuan Hua probably wasn’t truly lying low. Jiang Dan’s thoughts raced. Thinking of the fear Xuan Pei had just given her and her panic over Jiang Ruan’s delayed action, she suddenly had an idea. Before Xuan Hua could speak, she smiled first, showing Xuan Hua a gentle smile: “Fifth Prince.”
Xuan Hua knew Jiang Dan was currently favored and didn’t make things difficult for her: “Jiang Zhaoyi.”
“His Majesty mentioned the Fifth Prince to this subject just yesterday. Today the Fifth Prince appears—what a coincidence,” Jiang Dan smiled.
Xuan Hua was stunned. Since his last improper behavior, the Emperor’s attitude toward him had cooled somewhat. These days he had been pretending to be docile, at least openly never quarreling with Xuan Li. Who knew Jiang Dan would suddenly mention this? His heart stirred, and he couldn’t help asking: “Father Emperor… really mentioned me?”
“Naturally it’s true.” Jiang Dan blinked: “Speaking of which, this subject and the Fifth Prince are quite compatible. Why don’t we play a game of chess in the pavilion over there and discuss this matter? His Majesty told this subject many interesting stories about Your Highness.”
Xuan Hua wasn’t stupid. The Emperor might mention him, but would never tell Jiang Dan his interesting stories. Jiang Dan mentioning this must have other things to say—it was just a pretense. Though somewhat suspicious, not knowing what medicine Jiang Dan was selling in her gourd, seeing her expression, he finally smiled: “Perfect, this prince also feels like playing chess. Jiang Zhaoyi, please.”
A prince and zhaoyi playing chess was entirely proper etiquette. Jiang Dan and Xuan Hua went to the pavilion in the imperial garden. The pavilion permanently had a chess set—they arranged the pieces while eunuchs and palace maids stood at a distance. White and black pieces fell on the board, but the players’ minds weren’t on this.
“Niangniang might as well speak directly,” Xuan Hua said impatiently after three moves. His temperament was far from Xuan Li’s patience—quite hasty. It was hard to imagine Consort De, so steady, giving birth to such an impatient Xuan Hua.
Jiang Dan smiled charmingly, but her words carried hidden barbs: “His Majesty currently has only four princes. When mentioning the Fifth Prince, he naturally mentions others too. But lately he’s been mentioning the Thirteenth Prince quite often.”
Xuan Hua frowned: “Thirteenth?” His heart suddenly lurched. Xuan Pei’s reputation in court was rising, and he heard the Emperor was increasingly fond of him. Xuan Hua had thought it was just people spreading rumors—a prince without even a mother consort, no matter how favored by the Emperor, ultimately had no qualifications for the crown prince position. But Jiang Dan’s next words shocked him again. Jiang Dan said: “His Majesty now particularly pities the Thirteenth Prince, perhaps seeing his loss of his mother consort from childhood as pitiful, even privately gathering some old ministers to assist him well.”
Using a group of old ministers to assist a prince—the implications were clear at a glance: paving the way for Jin’s future crown prince, cultivating useful talent for Xuan Pei. Xuan Hua’s black piece fell with a “snap.” He sneered: “Jiang Zhaoyi really knows how to joke.”
“If the Fifth Prince doesn’t believe this subject, there’s nothing to say.” Jiang Dan placed her white piece immediately after: “But this subject is in the palace and naturally sees clearly. As a woman, I also hope to find someone to rely on. Though His Majesty treats this subject well, someday he won’t be able to protect me. Speaking presumptuously, after a hundred years, who can shelter this subject?”
Hearing Jiang Dan’s words, Xuan Hua said sternly: “Jiang Zhaoyi’s words are indeed presumptuous—you think too much.”
Jiang Dan smiled: “The Thirteenth Prince is increasingly favored by His Majesty. People say strike first for advantage. That Liu Min, Liu Grand Tutor, was originally the Crown Prince’s tutor. This morning when this subject passed the garden, I saw him with the Thirteenth Prince. His Majesty has already given Liu Grand Tutor to the Thirteenth Prince—this… shows real care.”
Liu Min was a court rising star. Most younger officials directly loyal to the Emperor were generally reserved for the next sovereign. Xuan Hua had long known about Liu Min being given to Xuan Pei. Now hearing Jiang Dan state it so bluntly, the accumulated frustration of recent days could barely be contained. He carelessly placed his black piece somewhere and said quietly: “What exactly do you want to say?”
“The Thirteenth Prince and this subject’s legitimate sister are very close. Unfortunately, this subject and my legitimate sister had misunderstandings years ago—now we’re like fire and water. The Thirteenth Prince treats this subject as a thorn in his eye. As for the Eighth Prince, he also wants to win over Prince Jinying but looks down on this subject. Thinking it over, in this vast deep palace, perhaps only the Fifth Prince can protect this subject.” Jiang Dan’s eyes dimmed. She was naturally petite and accustomed to appearing pitiful—that appearance could indeed arouse men’s protective instincts. Xuan Hua was ultimately a man who had seen countless beauties over the years, but Jiang Dan had real charm. He softened somewhat and smiled: “Why do you think only this prince can protect you?”
This was a man’s flirtation with a woman. Jiang Dan shook her head: “Speaking of bearing or imperial arts, this subject believes the Thirteenth Prince, Eighth Prince, or Crown Prince all cannot compare to the Fifth Prince. I only hope that when the Fifth Prince’s great enterprise succeeds, you won’t forget today’s words from this subject. In the deep palace, just give this subject a place to shelter—this subject will be eternally grateful.”
Xuan Hua naturally loved hearing flattery. This speech pleased him immensely. Not to mention Xuan Pei and the Crown Prince—just regarding Xuan Li, people had compared them since childhood. Xuan Li was naturally intelligent, and everyone always said he couldn’t compare to Xuan Li. But Jiang Dan said he was the best. For a moment, his last doubts about Jiang Dan disappeared, and he found her increasingly pleasant.
“Since you say this, you must already have a plan. Might as well tell me,” Xuan Hua said.
Jiang Dan looked at him and slowly said: “Doesn’t Your Highness feel that in such a chaotic situation, the longer the delay, the more opportunities it gives others? Better to clear out opponents while there’s time. A real man shouldn’t be timid—having courage and strategy makes a true hero.” Her tone carried seduction. Xuan Hua immediately felt eager to try. He was naturally impatient—usually only Consort De’s guidance kept him somewhat clear-headed. This period of following Consort De’s patience policy had reached his limit. Jiang Dan’s words hit his thoughts exactly, making him want to take bold action: “Speak.”
“According to what this subject knows, my legitimate sister and the Thirteenth Prince are increasingly close. Because of my sister’s relationship, Prince Jinying’s mansion will eventually side with the Thirteenth Prince. The Embroidered Uniform Guards number three hundred thousand—if truly tied together with the Thirteenth Prince, that wouldn’t be good for the Fifth Prince.”
Xuan Hua snorted coldly: “That Thirteenth has good methods—he’s actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I wondered why all the world’s good fortune fell to him. Turns out he was just playing dumb before, now showing his true ambition and secretly scheming.”
Though he said this, his face showed worry. Everyone in Great Jin respected Prince Jinying’s mansion. If Xuan Pei gained Prince Jinying’s support, that equaled gaining half the realm—dealing with him would be extremely difficult later.
Jiang Dan said softly: “When this subject’s stepmother was alive, she told me something: any potentially threatening matter is best strangled in the bud. That way, it will never grow, never become your threat.” These were Xia Yan’s words when urging her to poison Zhao Mei. That seemingly casual remark had made her decide to put poison in Jiang Ruan’s food too. But she was too timid then and didn’t continue—otherwise, permanently eliminating future troubles would have avoided today’s desperate measures.
Xuan Hua was stunned, looking at Jiang Dan suspiciously: “You mean…?”
“Currently the Thirteenth Prince is just a child. Many princes his age have died young in the palace.” Jiang Dan’s voice was gentle, but her words cruel: “Moreover, just slight manipulation? The Thirteenth Prince only recently gained His Majesty’s attention, while the Fifth Prince has twenty years of father-son affection with His Majesty. Speaking of closeness, the Fifth Prince is closer to His Majesty. While His Majesty’s feelings for the Thirteenth Prince aren’t deep yet, swift action is best.”
Xuan Hua seemed not to expect Jiang Dan to say such things. After looking at her for a long time, he suddenly laughed: “So Jiang Zhaoyi came prepared. What, you want to use this prince too?”
Jiang Dan timely showed panic: “How would this subject dare? It’s just for self-preservation.”
“Good, tell me what you want this prince to do?” Xuan Hua understood that Jiang Dan had her purposes, but her words matched his thoughts and made some sense, so he didn’t mind.
“Since my legitimate sister is close to the Thirteenth Prince, might as well tie them together. Eventually both will commit some great crime together—Your Highness eliminates a thorn in your eye, and this subject gets to breathe. Everyone benefits.” Jiang Dan smiled slightly: “Everyone wins.”
…
After walking briefly, Xuan Pei and Liu Min stood before the South Garden. Xuan Pei turned to Liu Min: “Grand Tutor should return first. This prince has matters today—tomorrow’s assignment will be presented to Grand Tutor.”
Liu Min knew Xuan Pei always had his own ideas and didn’t insist, bowing before taking leave. After Liu Min left, Xuan Pei’s expression changed. He summoned Ming Yue with a serious tone: “Go quickly to where we encountered Jiang Dan—find her and watch carefully. If anything happens, report to me immediately.”
Ming Yue took orders and left. Chao Yang said: “Your Highness, do you find Jiang Zhaoyi improper?”
Xuan Pei’s gaze darkened. Not just improper—Jiang Dan was always meticulous, but today her emotions showed repeatedly. He knew about Jiang Quan’s situation too. Jiang Dan probably couldn’t sit still anymore. Since the fox’s tail was showing, he didn’t mind catching it. Prey delivered to his door—no need to refuse, especially when seeking death.