At noon the next day, Jin Er finally returned to the manor under everyone’s watchful eyes. When Steward Lin saw him return, he was already hopping mad with anger. Though he didn’t know exactly what had happened, making Lu Zhu—a girl who was always smiling cheerfully—stay in her room crying all night was truly too outrageous of Jin Er. Though Lian Qiao hadn’t said anything, the slap mark on Lu Zhu’s face was visible to everyone. Perceptive people could guess what had happened. Though somewhat unbelievable, they couldn’t help but think in that direction. So when Jin Er returned, Steward Lin immediately unleashed all the words he had been holding back through the night.
However, Jin Er’s expression looked even worse than Steward Lin’s, appearing extremely fatigued. Steward Lin blocked his way and spoke for half an hour with spittle flying, but saw Jin Er’s dazed and confused gaze gradually become clear. Without saying a word, he just glanced at Steward Lin and walked toward the study. Steward Lin was startled and said, “The master hasn’t returned to the manor yet. The young madam is inside.”
Jin Er didn’t stop walking, heading straight there. Steward Lin was first somewhat puzzled, then understood: “You’re not going to apologize, are you? That’s good. Lu Zhu is someone by the young madam’s side after all. Your bullying her is also slapping the young madam’s face, so apologizing is appropriate. But Jin Er, don’t blame me, old Lin, for not telling you—women are very particular about such things. You definitely won’t easily gain her forgiveness today. You just need to remember that whatever she says, you must endure it. But really, why did you have to bully that girl for no reason…”
Jin Er’s expression was very ugly. Seeing this, Steward Lin thought he was feeling regretful and guilty, and didn’t know what else to say. Jin Er walked very quickly, leaving Steward Lin behind. Jin San and Jin Si gathered around, looking at Jin Er’s expression with bewilderment. Steward Lin sighed: “What a mess this has become.”
“What’s really wrong with Jin Er?” Jin San and Jin Si had grown up with Jin Er and naturally had brotherly feelings for him. However, even these two felt Jin Er’s actions this time were inappropriate. If Jin Er had actually hit Lu Zhu, these two originally wouldn’t have believed it, since Jin Er had always been the most gentle with women. But staying out all night and returning to the manor the next day without saying anything made them somewhat uncertain.
“Is he going to apologize to the young madam and Lu Zhu? That probably won’t be so easy,” Jin San murmured.
“Sigh, let’s follow and see. We should encourage reconciliation, not separation. Jin Er probably just lost his head temporarily.” Steward Lin sighed and followed.
Jiang Ruan was writing a letter in the study when she suddenly heard someone knocking on the door. Tian Zhu glanced over and said quietly, “Young Madam, it’s Jin Er.”
Jiang Ruan hadn’t let Lu Zhu attend to her today. The poor girl had cried until her eyes were swollen like peaches. At such a flower-like age, her self-esteem was very strong, and after such an incident, she felt deeply ashamed and couldn’t possibly move about the manor as if nothing had happened. So only Tian Zhu and Lian Qiao remained in the room. Upon hearing Jin Er had arrived, Lian Qiao disdainfully rolled her eyes, but Jiang Ruan acted as if she hadn’t heard and continued writing with her brush—deliberately giving Jin Er the cold shoulder.
But no one expected Jin Er to push the door open and walk in himself. Such a bold action was truly overstepping bounds on any ordinary day. Lian Qiao immediately said, “How dare you! The young madam didn’t give you permission to enter, yet you came in anyway. What kind of etiquette is this!”
Jiang Ruan usually didn’t require strict adherence to ceremonial rules from her servants, and Jin Er and the others, being Xiao Shao’s trusted men, needed even less formality. Lian Qiao spoke this way today partly from shock that Jin Er hadn’t even observed surface proprieties, and partly to vent some anger for Lu Zhu. However, after Jin Er entered, he said nothing, his expression extremely uncomfortable, with a faint smell of wine on him.
Jin Er half-knelt down, lowering his head: “This subordinate is guilty. Please punish me, Master.”
Jiang Ruan still ignored him, writing stroke by stroke. The room was silent—no one spoke. Even Steward Lin, Jin San, and Jin Si, who had arrived and stood outside, dared not speak. Everyone could see Jiang Ruan was deliberately giving Jin Er the cold treatment. This was understandable, considering Lu Zhu was Jiang Ruan’s personal maid. Having her humiliated like this was slapping Jiang Ruan’s face. Though Jiang Ruan usually appeared cold, she was actually very protective of her people and wouldn’t have a good expression for Jin Er.
Since Jiang Ruan didn’t speak, Jin Er couldn’t stand up either. Only after half a stick of incense in the room had burned out did Jiang Ruan put down her brush, shake the letter paper to dry it, put it in an envelope, and set it aside. Looking up at Jin Er, she asked, “What matter?”
With such a cold tone, Jin Er maintained his half-kneeling position and said quietly, “Young Madam, this subordinate comes regarding Lu Zhu’s matter.”
“I know nothing of Lu Zhu’s matter. Only Lian Qiao knows,” Jiang Ruan said indifferently.
With Jiang Ruan’s permission, Lian Qiao could finally vent the anger she’d been holding since yesterday. Like beans pouring from a bamboo tube, she immediately said, “What use is it for you to look for Lu Zhu now? Don’t tell me you think saying a few nice words will make Lu Zhu forgive you? Don’t treat everyone like fools, thinking every woman will be devoted to you unto death. Though Lu Zhu isn’t some wealthy family’s young lady, she’s still a proper, clean girl. How can you torment her like this? If you try using those methods for brothel girls on Lu Zhu, ptui!” In her excitement, Lian Qiao even used the harsh language she’d learned from quarreling with wicked servants in the countryside years ago.
Outside the door, Steward Lin, Jin San, and Jin Si all closed their eyes with pity, thinking Lian Qiao’s tongue was truly sharp—anyone should avoid provoking her. However, Lian Qiao’s words seemed to carry some other meaning. “Wealthy family’s young lady”? Who was she mocking? Could Jin Er really have someone else outside?
Jin Er endured Lian Qiao’s scolding without making a sound. Steward Lin stroked his beard, somewhat gratified: “Not fighting back when hit, not retorting when scolded—at least his attitude is good. Women are always soft-hearted. If he takes this opportunity to say some nice words to coax her…”
“Young Madam, this subordinate cannot marry Lu Zhu.” Before Steward Lin finished speaking, Jin Er’s voice came from inside the room.
Silence. Even Tian Zhu looked sharply at Jin Er. Steward Lin opened his mouth, momentarily speechless. Lian Qiao clutched her chest, took a deep breath, and said, “Don’t say such things to frighten people. You…”
“Young Madam, this subordinate cannot marry Lu Zhu.” Jin Er repeated it again. This time his voice was firm and clear in everyone’s ears.
Jiang Ruan slowly lifted her tea to take a sip. Among everyone present, only her expression remained most calm. She looked coldly at Jin Er, her gaze somewhat resembling Xiao Shao’s. She said, “Why?”
Jin Er kowtowed to Jiang Ruan, his tone heavy: “This subordinate has wronged Lu Zhu. This marriage should be forgotten.”
Lian Qiao’s eyes immediately reddened. She, Bai Zhi, and Lu Zhu had supported each other through the most difficult times. Lu Zhu was naturally innocent and cheerful, and Lian Qiao treated Lu Zhu like her own little sister. She had personally witnessed Lu Zhu’s wholehearted joy upon learning of the engagement. Now to hear from Jin Er’s mouth about canceling this marriage—she felt sad and indignant for Lu Zhu and wanted nothing more than to give Jin Er a severe beating. She said, “You heartless person…”
“Your engagement with Lu Zhu requires both of your agreement. Acting this way, does Lu Zhu know? Does she agree?” Jiang Ruan’s tone was gentle, but her gaze was sharp as a blade. When Jin Er met her eyes, he found himself unable to answer. While still silent, a clear voice came from behind: “I naturally know.”
Tian Zhu also looked toward the door and saw Lu Zhu walking in from outside. She had changed into clean clothes—the charming pink color made her complexion appear brighter. Though her eyes were still somewhat red and swollen despite cosmetic concealment, her expression was incomparably calm. She walked in and knelt directly beside Jin Er, kowtowing loudly to Jiang Ruan: “This servant humbly requests Young Madam to cancel the engagement with Jin Er.”
She spoke so solemnly that Lian Qiao wanted to stop her—after all, marriage wasn’t something to use for spite. But on second thought, considering how heartless Jin Er was, what was the point of persuading? Better not to speak at all.
Jin San and Jin Si had already frowned tightly. They couldn’t enter and speak rashly. Steward Lin was so angry he stamped his feet, continuously cursing Jin Er as a blockhead.
Jiang Ruan quietly observed Lu Zhu for a long moment before saying, “Lu Zhu, don’t deceive me.”
“This servant dares not lie to Young Madam.” Lu Zhu replied frankly. Her expression was generous and her tone clear, somewhat resembling Jiang Ruan’s manner when handling affairs. She said, “This servant’s previous engagement was entirely thanks to Young Madam’s support. Now that feelings have ended, we should naturally part amicably. Since Jin Er has already proposed this, it perfectly suits this servant’s wishes. This follows the principle of parting on good terms. I only ask Young Madam to grant this once more, though this servant feels apprehensive. This matter has nothing to do with Jin Er—it’s simply that this servant lacks the fate to become husband and wife with him.”
Her words flowed smoothly—though gentle, they were absolutely firm, leaving not a trace of room for compromise. Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes so no one could see her expression clearly. She only slowly caressed the white porcelain teacup lid, saying, “Since you two have discussed this, I naturally have no grounds for other words. However, once this engagement is canceled, as Lu Zhu said, there will be no husband-wife fate. All past events become illusions. Henceforth you shall be strangers, each marrying and starting families, bearing children. When you reach old age and recall this, it will be nothing more than a joke.” Her words were cold and cruel, making everyone present shudder. Yes, they had the opportunity to become the closest people, but in the end it was just a great dream. Each would have their own marriages. On the surface it seemed harmless, but thinking of it later would always be painful—especially for these two, as any perceptive person could see they still had feelings for each other.
Jiang Ruan gently placed her teacup on the table. In the silence, this action struck everyone’s hearts like thunder. Then came her even weightier words: “Jin Er, have you thought this through?”
These words carried warning—meaning that once Jin Er truly decided to cancel his engagement with Lu Zhu today, Jiang Ruan would never again give him opportunities to approach Lu Zhu. Hearing this, Jin Er slowly lowered his head, pulled something from his sleeve, clenched his fist tightly, then extended it before Lu Zhu.
Lu Zhu took it—a small sachet embroidered with goldfish patterns, meant to symbolize a golden and harmonious marriage. Now returned to its original owner, it severed the last thread of possibility between them. Lu Zhu’s eyes still held some moisture, but she quickly smiled to hide her loss of composure, kowtowing to Jiang Ruan with a smile: “Thank you for your support, Young Madam.”
Lian Qiao turned away as tears finally fell uncontrollably. Seeing ordinary people react this way, one could imagine Lu Zhu’s inner thoughts. Jiang Ruan said indifferently, “Very well, as you wish.” She looked at Jin Er coldly: “I hope you won’t regret this in the future.”
Jin Er’s expression was ashen, momentarily appearing to have lost all support, his gaze even somewhat lifeless—nothing like his usual elegant and handsome appearance. Steward Lin sighed, said nothing, and turned to leave. Jin San and Jin Si felt somewhat at a loss. They had thought Jin Er’s return today was merely to apologize, ending with reconciliation. Who knew it would reach such a state? Their expressions gradually became grave—Jin Er’s sudden proposal to break the engagement was too unusual.
After Jin Er and Lu Zhu each left, Lian Qiao finally wiped her tears. Lu Zhu had suffered grievance, but she was crying harder, saying, “This is too bullying! Young Madam…”
“Stop crying.” Jiang Ruan’s gaze was somewhat cold as she asked Tian Zhu, “What background does that woman have? Have you investigated?”
“Replying to Young Madam, I have investigated, but…” She hesitated slightly before hearing Jiang Ruan say, “If you’ve investigated, then speak.” Jiang Ruan rarely showed such severity, clearly very displeased by Lu Zhu’s situation. Tian Zhu dared not conceal anything and immediately explained.
The woman who came to the capital seeking Jin Er was named Liao Meng. Before Jin Er followed Xiao Shao, he was the second young master of the Huang family in Jiangnan. When Old Master Huang passed through Dingxi, he had some connection with the Liao family there. At that time, Madam Huang had just given birth to Jin Er, and Madam Liao had also given birth to Liao Meng. Feeling it was fate, and after Old Master Huang and Old Master Liao got drunk that day, they arranged a childhood engagement, even writing a marriage contract. However, after Old Master Huang returned to Jiangnan, he forgot about this matter. For over twenty years there was no contact, but unexpectedly Liao Meng suddenly appeared.
The Liao family had encountered misfortune—both Old Master Liao and Madam Liao had died, and various Liao relatives coveted the family wealth. Before Madam Liao died, she produced that marriage contract and told Liao Meng to seek refuge with the Huang family. Old Master Huang was someone who valued promises, but Madam Huang worried about her son rashly marrying another girl. Since Liao Meng was also unwell and wanted to come to the capital to find famous doctors, they could simultaneously clarify this matter with Jin Er. If Jin Er disagreed, the matter would be dropped. Nanny Zhou was Liao Meng’s wet nurse who accompanied her to the capital.
Tian Zhu continued: “When Miss Liao first arrived in the capital, she met Jin Er once. Jin Er also explained clearly that he was already engaged to Lu Zhu. Miss Liao was also very understanding. However, doctors here said she shouldn’t travel long distances, so Miss Liao said she would return to Jiangnan after recovering her health.”
“She spoke so well, but where did she actually go? She clearly wanted to steal Lu Zhu’s engagement. I think she’s also someone with a good face but a dark heart—I don’t know how Jin Er was so blind as to be deceived by such a person.”
Tian Zhu still felt somewhat uncertain. She had always understood Jin Er’s character, and what this woman had done so far indeed showed nothing improper—she could even be called understanding and reasonable. But how did things become like this?
Tian Zhu couldn’t see it because the work of Imperial Guards had little to do with the struggles among women in inner quarters. But men couldn’t see through women’s deceptions—only other women could. The methods Tian Zhu couldn’t detect, Jiang Ruan could see, and even Lian Qiao, after following her for so long, could sense something wrong. This woman was quite scheming, leading Jin Er step by step to this point. It was clearly premeditated from the beginning. In the end, Lu Zhu appeared to be the unreasonable one while the woman extracted herself completely clean.
“Why suddenly break the engagement? Isn’t it to marry someone else?” Jiang Ruan said coldly. “What exactly happened last night? Tian Zhu, go investigate.”
Lian Qiao had long hated that woman to the point of grinding her teeth. Hearing this, she asked somewhat happily, “Is Young Madam going to defend Lu Zhu?”
“Indeed too arrogant.” Jiang Ruan looked indifferently at her sleeve, suddenly smiling slightly: “Using such methods on my people—she’s truly not afraid of death.”
…
In the residence in the eastern part of the city, the woman who had been crying uncontrollably that morning had now changed into clean clothes. The light yellow cotton jacket and skirt embroidered with orchids was neither too ornate nor too plain—elegant and just right, showing off her slender waist. If not for the worried expression of the short, plump woman beside her, everything could be called beautiful.
Nanny Zhou looked at Liao Meng, hesitating to speak several times before finally asking, “Miss, is what we’re doing really appropriate?”
“Does Nanny think something is improper?” Liao Meng smiled slightly. Compared to the morning’s panic, she now appeared very composed. Looking carefully, one could even see some joyful expression in her eyes and brows.
“This old servant just feels that compromising Miss’s reputation might be too serious. Moreover, if Second Young Master Huang discovers this matter in the future, how will Miss handle it? Please don’t blame this old servant for thinking too much. Miss was raised by this old servant’s own hands—I cannot help but worry about such things…”
Liao Meng laughed: “Nanny worries too much. That Second Young Master Huang is clever and intelligent. Without compromising my own reputation, how could I so easily make him agree to this matter? As for after the marriage,” she seemed somewhat shy, “I’ll be a good wife. Second Young Master is a good man and will surely live well with me. Naturally, these matters won’t be pursued. Does Nanny think my methods are too scheming?” Liao Meng lowered her head, her voice becoming somewhat sad: “Father and Mother are gone, and those relatives watch me like tigers. I… I had no choice. The Huang family is such a good family—if I miss this opportunity, Uncle and Aunt will surely marry me off as a concubine to that rice merchant’s son. Nanny, I don’t want to be a concubine. That maid—since she’s someone beside the Princess, she can surely find someone better.”
Hearing this, Nanny Zhou also felt heartbroken and said, “My dear Miss, don’t say such sad things. If Master and Mistress were still alive, how could they let Miss use her reputation as bait? Miss had no choice—this old servant understands. That Second Young Master Huang is also a man. After Miss marries Second Young Master, with Miss’s temperament and appearance, no man wouldn’t like her. Naturally life will get better and better. This old servant was overthinking. Miss, please don’t blame me.”
Liao Meng smiled and chatted with Nanny Zhou a bit more before Nanny Zhou went inside to brew medicine. After Nanny Zhou left, Liao Meng returned to her room. The orchid in the center of the room was blooming magnificently. In such weather, orchids were very difficult to keep alive—it was rare to have one blooming so well. Liao Meng gently caressed the orchid petals, which gave off an extremely alluring fragrance that seemed to make one thirsty if smelled too much.
She slowly sat down before her dressing mirror. The woman in the mirror had a beautiful face like flowers and moon—clearly a pampered daughter of a wealthy family. “Every man for himself, or heaven and earth will destroy him.” If her parents were still alive, she indeed wouldn’t be obsessed with Jin Er. But since things had reached this point, the Huang family was an opportunity that wouldn’t come again. Moreover, Jin Er was handsome, making her even more determined to have him.
How could a rough maid from beside the Princess compare with a proper young lady from a wealthy family like herself? Against such an opponent, she only needed slight maneuvering to determine victory. From Jin Er’s words, she had learned early on that this Lu Zhu was straightforward and intolerant. The more understanding and reasonable she appeared, the more guilty Jin Er would feel. Sometimes with imperceptible provocation, bit by bit, it would eventually lead to their complete break.
However, guilt alone wasn’t enough to make them completely break up. Liao Meng slowly began to smile, caressing the face of the woman in the bronze mirror.
…
The collapse of Jin Er and Lu Zhu’s engagement caused quite a stir in Prince Jinying’s manor. That day, the entire manor was gloomy, as if everyone was troubled by this matter. But no one expected this was just the beginning. After this incident, wave after wave of turmoil arose in Prince Jinying’s manor.
On this day, Lian Qiao and Lu Zhu were doing embroidery in the courtyard. After much persuasion these past few days, Lu Zhu had finally returned to her former appearance—at least on the surface she showed no signs of sadness. Taking the first step made everything else easier. Lu Zhu was chatting with Lian Qiao when they saw a third-class cleaning maid from the outer courtyard rushing in, shouting, “Terrible! Something terrible!”
“What’s so alarming?” Lian Qiao stood up and asked.
The maid suddenly stopped, looked at Lu Zhu, and immediately closed her mouth. Lian Qiao’s heart immediately jumped, and she seemingly casually walked over and pulled the little maid aside: “Come with me to have a look outside. Lu Zhu, please watch my embroidered handkerchief for me.”
Lu Zhu didn’t suspect anything and nodded agreement. Only after walking outside the courtyard did Lian Qiao ask, “What happened?” She vaguely guessed this matter was related to Lu Zhu. The little maid’s mouth trembled as if she was about to cry: “Sister Lian Qiao, something’s wrong! People outside are all saying Sister Lu Zhu is using Young Madam’s influence to seduce someone else’s fiancé!”