On this day, when the two of them returned, most of the people at the lantern festival had already dispersed.

Yan Lin led the horse and helped her mount.

They traveled the same way as when they came.

Only he no longer galloped wildly, but instead gave the horse free rein, riding together with her on the horse, wishing this road back to the Jiang manor could be longer, and longer still, extending until the wilderness grew barren and the seas dried up, going on endlessly without end.

At this moment, the youth harbored a heart full of sincerity. The girl he loved sat upon his horse, nestled in his embrace. For a time he couldn’t think of anything else.

His violently pounding heart had occupied his entire spirit.

He looked forward to the days ahead with such anticipation that he failed to notice the unusual silence of the person sitting in front of him.

The wind was slightly cold.

Jiang Xuening could feel the scorching heat transmitted from the chest behind her.

Only as she looked at the increasingly familiar road returning to the Jiang manor before her eyes, her heart grew more and more lost. If she were truly the age of a young girl at this moment, having shed the obstinacy and immaturity of her previous life, encountering a youth like this who would brave fire and water for her—she should feel joy, shyness, elation, and be moved by his sword, by his eyes, by the hand tightly gripping hers, and by the hibiscus flowers casting shadows from the high wall.

But she was no longer that person.

When they reached the entrance of the Jiang manor, it was already late at night.

Yan Lin helped her dismount again, smiling as he instructed her, “You must sleep well tonight when you get back.”

Having said this, he remounted the horse.

But when he turned his head and saw she was still standing at the entrance watching him, he said, “Go into the manor. I’ll watch you go in.”

Yet Jiang Xuening gazed back at him quietly and asked, “Yan Lin, you always dote on me like this and protect me, but have you ever considered—if one day I no longer had you, what would that be like, and what should I do?”

Yan Lin froze.

He felt she was being somewhat melancholic today, only saying, “You worry needlessly. How could you not have me? I’ll always be by your side.”

For a moment, Jiang Xuening actually felt her heart twist in pain. Even looking at him one more time felt unbearable, so she let out a low laugh. “You’re right. Then I’m going in.”

Yan Lin nodded.

Thus she turned around and walked through the side door of the Jiang manor that was still open for her.

Yan Lin sat tall upon his horse, holding the reins, watching her figure gradually disappear, yet his heart suddenly surged with a wave of bewilderment.

Many people in the Jiang manor hadn’t slept, all waiting for her to return.

Word of the assassin incident in the capital during the day had long since spread. When Jiang Boyou heard that Jiang Xuening had actually been present at the time and happened to be held hostage by the assassin, he was nearly scared out of his wits.

Fortunately, others all said she was unharmed.

Only later, this little girl was actually lured away by Yan Lin to visit the lantern festival, which was truly infuriating.

Jiang Boyou had made up his mind that when Jiang Xuening returned, he must give her a proper scolding.

But when he saw her return, the color of her face really couldn’t be considered good.

At this moment, he couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for the girl. Whether it was Prince Pingnan’s rebels or the Tianjiao Cult rebels behind this assassination attempt, it couldn’t be considered Ning girl’s fault. She’d already suffered so much—to be reprimanded on top of that would be too excessive.

So before he could open his mouth, his heart had already softened. He only said to her gently, “The capital has been rather unsettled recently. I heard the Embroidered Uniform Guard has already arrested quite a few rebellious traitors. Today, Xie Ju’an wasn’t the only one attacked. Though you and Yan Lin are close and I’m at ease with him, who knows what might be encountered? During this time, go out less. When things are more peaceful, you two can go out again.”

He thought Jiang Xuening would argue back a sentence or two.

But unexpectedly, this time she actually lowered her brows and eyes in compliance, saying, “All right.”

For the following ten-plus days, she indeed didn’t go out again.

Only on the day after the attack, she sent someone to the side street alley to have Zhou Yinzhi bring his name card to petition Yan Lin.

After that, she temporarily didn’t inquire further into the matter.

Within two days, Yan Lin followed his father, the Marquis of Yongyi, to inspect the Fengtai garrison and Tongzhou garrison, returning only on the twenty-first of September.

Also on this morning, news came from the palace. Grand Princess Leyang, envying the daily lectures at the Hall of Literary Glory, had entreated His Majesty to find her several reliable teachers as well, wanting to earnestly study some books.

Thus His Majesty decreed the selection of companion readers for the Grand Princess.

When court dismissed, he instructed the various ministers that those with daughters of similar age to the Princess should select one of good character to submit, with the palace making the final selection.

At this, the thoughts of the entire court came alive.

Who didn’t know Grand Princess Leyang was favored?

Moreover, which of those currently accompanying His Majesty for court lectures at the Hall of Literary Glory wasn’t imperial nobility or a talented scion of an aristocratic family?

Never mind how useful the title of “having entered the palace” and “having served as the Grand Princess’s companion reader” would be when the young ladies married in the future—just the opportunity to form marriage alliances, plus the prestige each family would gain if selected, was worth everyone putting in effort to compete.

How other families arranged things, Jiang Xuening didn’t know.

She only knew about her own family.

After Jiang Boyou returned from the palace, he discussed this matter with Meng Shi, saying to her, “I heard that at the Double Ninth Festival banquet a while ago at Count Qingyuan’s manor, Ning girl seemed to receive special regard from Grand Princess Leyang, with quite some affection and fondness. When each family submits their candidates, the palace will still make another round of selection. In terms of character and learning, naturally Xuehui would be more suitable—steady, dignified, and understanding of propriety, not easily causing trouble. Yet she may not necessarily compare to young ladies from other families. If Ning girl is submitted, the possibility of being selected is very high, but her temperament is willful. I fear she’s even more difficult than the Grand Princess and not one to endure grievances. What should we do?”

Upon hearing this, Meng Shi’s brows immediately furrowed.

She knew that Jiang Boyou felt guilty toward Ning girl and also had reasons involving the Marquis of Yongyi, thus he favored Ning girl especially. But entering the palace to serve as the Grand Princess’s companion reader was ultimately a major matter. How could sending Jiang Xuening there put anyone’s mind at ease?

She said, “Ning girl is impetuous, while the palace is restrictive. She may not be willing to go.”

Jiang Boyou glanced at her. “I actually also think Hui girl would be more reliable.”

It wasn’t a matter of favoritism, but Ning girl’s temperament was truly worrying.

Failing to gain prestige didn’t matter—what was frightening was causing trouble.

However, such matters still needed to be discussed with the two girls, so Jiang Boyou said, “Go summon the two young ladies.”

Meng Shi felt her mood sour again, sighing. “I only fear Ning girl will make a fuss and insist on competing, refusing to give up.”

Jiang Xuening had originally been taking an afternoon nap. Being suddenly called up, she actually had some waking irritability, but it wouldn’t do to show it.

After tidying up and going over, she discovered Jiang Xuehui had already arrived.

She performed her courtesies and sat down.

Jiang Boyou explained everything to them, concluding, “Now we only know about selecting companion readers, but what exactly will be studied in the palace and how things will be done remains entirely unknown. However, in this dynasty, the princes’ companion readers all have to live in the palace, and you both know what kind of place the imperial palace is. One must be extremely careful and cautious. We must select someone reliable to go. But Ning girl seems to be quite favored by the Grand Princess. What do you two think?”

Below, there was momentary silence.

Jiang Xuening sat without moving and didn’t speak.

Jiang Xuehui, however, lowered her head, looking at the embroidered handkerchief in her hands, thinking of the person she’d encountered when returning from the Duke’s manor’s Double Ninth banquet. But she wasn’t truly a legitimate daughter of the manor. Though she currently held the status of legitimate daughter, before Jiang Xuening she had absolutely no standing to fight for anything for herself.

At present she only said softly, “I’ll abide by whatever Father and Mother decide.”

But Meng Shi deliberately glanced at Jiang Xuening and spoke up. “The manor has only you two legitimate daughters. Either of you would originally be suitable. One has a steady temperament, one is liked by the Princess. But entering the palace is no easy matter, and there’s also the companion reading duties. We don’t want you to bring any glory to the manor—as long as you come out safe and sound, that’s enough. Ning girl’s personality is too lively. Though Hereditary Prince Yan might look after you in the palace, the palace has strict rules, and the Prince doesn’t live in the palace, so he may not be able to look after you properly. Therefore, logically it would be more appropriate for Hui girl to go.”

Jiang Xuening listened expressionlessly.

But Jiang Boyou was constantly watching her expression. Hearing Meng Shi’s words, he inexplicably felt somewhat guilty and felt this was rather unfair to his second daughter. He hastily added, “Of course, Ning girl is favored by the Princess. Since it’s to be the Princess’s companion reader, if you want to go, we’ll still submit your name.”

Meng Shi pressed her lips together and said nothing more.

Jiang Xuehui truly didn’t harbor much hope.

She was well acquainted with Ning girl’s temperament. Whatever she had, Ning girl would certainly want something even better. Now with this opportunity to enter the palace as a companion reader, something other aristocratic young ladies would fight over tooth and nail, how could Ning girl let her have her wish?

Though this time she actually did have just a tiny bit of hope.

But it was only a tiny bit…

Jiang Xuening sat for quite a while, with everyone’s gazes falling upon her.

Yet her gaze fell upon Jiang Xuehui.

Jiang Boyou and Meng Shi waited for a long time without hearing her speak, only assuming she tacitly agreed to give this opportunity to Jiang Xuehui. For a moment they both had the feeling of a great weight lifted from their hearts.

Meng Shi let out a breath of relief and was just about to say, “Then the matter is settled.”

But just as she was about to speak, Jiang Xuening actually stood up from her seat.

The words not yet spoken immediately lodged in her throat.

Meng Shi’s eyelids began twitching.

Jiang Xuehui turned her eyes to look, only sighing slightly with bitterness in her heart: As expected.

Even Jiang Boyou secretly cried out “This is bad,” pondering in his mind how to smooth things over when Ning girl made a fuss.

But unexpectedly, Jiang Xuening didn’t even glance at anyone. With lowered eyelids, she bowed in courtesy and actually said, “What Father and Mother say is reasonable. Though this opportunity to enter the palace is rare, daughter knows her own temperament—I can neither endure nor yield. But Elder Sister is dignified, virtuous, and understanding of propriety. She’s also willing to go and has connections with the noble young ladies of aristocratic families in the capital. Entering the palace would be more appropriate. For Elder Sister to go this time, daughter has no objection.”

Jiang Boyou was suddenly dumbfounded. “What did you say?”

Meng Shi couldn’t help but sit up straight. “You—”

Jiang Xuehui was also stunned, her gaze flickering, inexplicably moved. “Ning little sister…”

Jiang Xuening smiled coldly, thinking again of Wanniang. Not giving her any face at all, she only said, “Don’t think I’m trying to help anyone this time. I truly don’t want to enter the palace because I can’t bear the palace rules. If in the future you have anything I take a fancy to, I’ll still snatch it without hesitation!”

Jiang Xuehui was speechless, only looking at her.

But Jiang Xuening had already turned her gaze away, directly addressing Jiang Boyou and Meng Shi. “If Father and Mother have no other matters, daughter will take her leave.”

How could Jiang Boyou and Meng Shi have expected things to be this easy?

They didn’t react immediately.

When they heard her words, complex emotions arose in their hearts. They had originally thought Ning girl would certainly make a scene, but she so easily and lightly let go of this excellent opportunity, instead making them feel somewhat ashamed of their earlier thoughts.

Jiang Boyou quickly said, “Nothing else.”

Jiang Xuening didn’t dally. After performing another courtesy, she withdrew from the room.

Three people remained in the hall, each with different expressions.

Ultimately it was Jiang Xuehui, watching that slender figure gradually disappear along the covered corridor, who slowly smiled and said to Meng Shi, “Ning little sister’s heart is actually very soft…”

Meng Shi remained silent.

But Jiang Boyou felt rather moved, only sighing, “For Ning girl to be so understanding actually makes me somewhat unaccustomed. She’s truly grown up, knowing how to be considerate of us and knowing how to yield to her elder sister.”

It was fortunate Jiang Xuening didn’t hear these words, or she might have laughed out loud.

Everyone probably thought she’d given up this excellent opportunity to serve as palace companion reader, not knowing she’d never planned on wanting this opportunity at all.

Walking out from the hall, her steps couldn’t be more light and carefree.

Lian’er could barely keep up with her, calling out as she walked, “Heavens, Miss, what’s gotten into you? That’s entering the palace, a wonderful opportunity to serve as companion reader to the Grand Princess! So many people in the capital are racking their brains and might not get in. Yet you just gave it away directly!”

Jiang Xuening scoffed. “I’d be the fool if I went!”

How could the palace be as comfortable as outside?

Walking, sitting, and lying down all required following rules.

Never mind the companion readers selected from ministers’ and nobles’ families below—even those imperial concubines serving the Emperor in the palace spoke and acted cautiously, not daring the slightest negligence.

Only after entering the palace did she learn how bitter those days were.

Fortunately, later after being named Empress, even if she acted somewhat presumptuously, no one dared say anything.

But what was the situation with companion reading in her previous life?

One Xiao Shu who excelled at everything and was formidable in every way, suppressing everyone until they couldn’t breathe. One Grand Princess Leyang who “loved turned to hate” toward her, seizing every opportunity to find fault with her and refusing to let her leave.

Even more terrifying—two of the courses had Xie Wei as the teacher!

In her previous life at this time, she and Xie Wei could be said to have had no grudges or enmity, and the other party didn’t particularly make things difficult for her.

But in this life, with Xie Wei as a teacher, would she still have any way to survive?

Not to mention Grand Princess Leyang’s earlier gaze had left her deeply unsettled, and Yan Lin also frequently entered and exited the palace…

If she thrust herself in there again, she’d simply be courting death with a head too thick and a life too hard!

Only just now when Jiang Boyou and Meng Shi asked, with Jiang Xuehui also sitting there, she really didn’t want to make things too easy for her, so she’d deliberately dragged it out for so long.

Though the final effect was somewhat unexpected.

They all seemed to think she was some kind of good person now.

But it didn’t matter—it wasn’t a bad thing.

As for whether Jiang Xuehui would suffer as a palace companion reader?

What did that have to do with her?

After Jiang Xuening returned to her room, she had them bring up all her “assets” again to inventory them once more, only pondering in her heart: Now that the companion reader matter had fallen to Jiang Xuehui, even if she wasn’t selected later, entering the palace would have nothing to do with her. Thus, she had completely deviated from the trajectory of her previous life. She also hadn’t provoked Shen Jie. Then, she only needed to find an appropriate opportunity to make things clear with Yan Lin. Once the matter with the Yongyi Marquis Manor was settled, regardless of whether the final result was good or bad, she would have done her utmost. After that, she could go live in Tongzhou, or simply pack up her bags and travel the world like You Fangying had in her previous life.

The scenery outside was so wonderful—why confine herself to one corner?

Her mental abacus was already clicking away frantically.

Though the Yongyi Marquis Manor’s involvement in Prince Pingnan’s treason case still weighed somewhat on her mind, that night she still slept relatively well.

The next afternoon, the palace’s selection list came down.

When it reached the Jiang manor, Jiang Boyou and Meng Shi could hardly believe their eyes, confirming again and again with the eunuch who came from the palace, “Esteemed Eunuch, could this list be wrong? Our manor submitted the eldest daughter’s name, but why is the second daughter the one selected on this list?!”

That eunuch also didn’t know the inside story, only saying, “That’s what the decree says. This servant doesn’t know. In any case, they’re both your manor’s daughters, so there’s no difference. The decree states that the day after tomorrow you can pack up some things and enter the palace to first learn some rules and familiarize yourself with the palace situation. If truly unsuitable, they’ll still be sent out. In any case, you can prepare for the young miss.”

Jiang Boyou and Meng Shi looked at each other in dismay.

When the news reached Jiang Xuening, she was still in her room taking inventory of her things, preparing to later exchange some of the valuable items not easy to carry for bank notes, which would also be more convenient when going out in the future.

As a result, Lian’er came rushing in excitedly. “Miss, it’s you! It’s you!”

Hearing her voice made Jiang Xuening’s brain throb.

But Lian’er was a flighty girl whose thoughts generally differed from hers.

If Lian’er thought something was good news, it was definitely bad news!

The small brush she’d been using to mark things in the ledger stopped. Jiang Xuening’s eyelid twitched as she asked, “What’s me?”

Lian’er gasped for breath. “Entering the palace! Serving as companion reader!”

Jiang Xuening’s scalp exploded. She slammed down the brush and stood up. “What did you say?!”

Lian’er still hadn’t grasped the situation, thinking she was overjoyed. She hurried to explain, “The palace’s finalized companion reader list has Miss’s name on it! Master submitted the eldest miss’s name to the palace, but for some reason she wasn’t selected. Instead, your name was directly added. You’ll soon be serving as the Princess’s companion reader!”

“…”

Jiang Xuening’s head immediately buzzed with a sound as ten thousand thoughts rushed through like a tide.

Ultimately only one remained—

Clearly the name hadn’t been submitted, yet the final companion reader list happened to include it.

The palace was the authentic “battlefield of carnage”!

Exactly who was plotting against me behind the scenes?