Jiang Ruan smiled at Empress Dowager Yide, but her heart was churning with immense waves.

Empress Dowager Yide’s words actually meant she wanted her to leave.

Empress Dowager Yide said coolly, “This dowager knows you are a clever child. Think carefully—follow this dowager, and this dowager will guarantee your safety. When you return to the palace after three years, your status will naturally be different.” She looked at the ruby on her armor: “You saved this dowager’s life. After much consideration, only this reward would be worthy of such joy.”

Jiang Ruan was startled. She understood what Empress Dowager Yide meant. The Empress Dowager was giving her an opportunity—an excellent opportunity. Indeed, leaving the Jiang residence now and giving people like Xia Yan three more years made her extremely unwilling, but if she could accompany Empress Dowager Yide to the imperial ancestral temple, her status would naturally be different.

Tonight she was merely the legitimate eldest daughter of the Jiang residence who had saved Empress Dowager Yide’s life. Though she had shown grace to the Empress Dowager, it wasn’t much—after rewards were given, people would gradually forget the matter. But if she followed the Empress Dowager for three years, everyone would look at her with new eyes. When they saw Jiang Ruan, they would subconsciously think: this is someone from beside the Empress Dowager.

Empress Dowager Yide’s reward could not be called anything but generous. Even though she was wholly focused on revenge, she couldn’t help but be moved. Three years was enough for too many things to happen. Xia Yan might regain power, but staying beside Empress Dowager Yide, she could also make herself indispensable to the Empress Dowager.

To gain something, one must lose something. Jiang Xinzhi had just entered the court and his foundation was unstable—if he could gain the Empress Dowager’s support…

She raised her head and looked at Empress Dowager Yide, slowly breaking into a smile: “Thank you for your gracious favor, Your Majesty. This subject is deeply honored.”

Three years it would be. The most painful thing in this world wasn’t losing something before obtaining it, but clearly watching it in your grasp, then having it ruthlessly snatched away. The higher one climbed, the harder the fall. She would give those people three years to climb to a height deadly enough to kill, then after three years—complete destruction.

Empress Dowager Yide smiled with satisfaction, her red lips uttering two words: “Excellent.”

…

When Guan Lianghan told Jiang Xinzhi of the Emperor’s plan, he indeed saw Jiang Xinzhi’s brows furrow tightly. Guan Lianghan couldn’t stand his dejected appearance and patted his shoulder: “Real men should go to battle to kill enemies. With all your whining, are you afraid of death?”

Jiang Xinzhi said angrily, “I’m not afraid of death, it’s just…” He swallowed the rest of his words.

Guan Lianghan looked at him knowingly: “You can’t bear to leave that sister of yours. Brother, what do you mean by treasuring your sister more preciously than a daughter every day? Besides, speaking truthfully, your sister isn’t one to easily suffer losses—others would be lucky not to be schemed against by her.”

Jiang Xinzhi imperceptibly stepped away from Guan Lianghan: “That is Jiang’s family matter. No need for the General to worry.”

Once Jiang Ruan was mentioned, Jiang Xinzhi became particularly prickly. Guan Lianghan grew angry too: “Then you can struggle with it yourself. Once the Emperor’s decree comes down, you’ll have to go whether you want to or not, unless you plan to defy the imperial order. But you wouldn’t defy orders just for your sister.”

After speaking, he left with a flick of his sleeves.

Jiang Xinzhi stood in place, his heart in complete turmoil. He naturally knew this was an excellent opportunity. The battlefield was where one displayed their abilities—if defeated, it was merely dying wrapped in horse leather; if victorious, it meant glory and honor. He wasn’t afraid of death, nor did he pursue wealth and status, but if he wanted Jiang Ruan to receive better protection, he could only climb higher step by step.

During this palace banquet, he had seen clearly that despite Jiang Ruan’s precocious intelligence, living in the Jiang residence was far too dangerous. Jiang Quan could push Jiang Ruan out at any time. Last night, if not for Empress Dowager Yide speaking up, Jiang Ruan might even have been married into the Eighth Prince’s residence. If his power were greater, he definitely wouldn’t let others so easily control Jiang Ruan’s future.

Thinking of this, he became determined about this campaign against the Tianjin Kingdom. But thinking of Jiang Ruan having to live alone in the Jiang residence for three years made his heart ache.

With these thoughts, his expression became somewhat solemn.

Leaving the Guan residence, Jiang Xinzhi planned to return to the Jiang residence first, then discuss this matter with Jiang Ruan after she returned. Just as he reached the gate of the Guan residence, he heard a timid female voice say: “Master Jiang.”

Jiang Xinzhi was startled and looked toward the voice to see a pretty, delicate young lady with two maids behind her. From her dress, she appeared to be a young miss from some wealthy family. He felt she looked familiar but was momentarily puzzled.

Seeing Jiang Xinzhi staring directly at her, the young lady’s cheeks immediately flushed red. After hesitating, she stepped forward two paces and said: “Last night, Master saved this young lady’s life. This young lady… wanted to personally thank you.”

Jiang Xinzhi frowned slightly and remembered—he had indeed helped this young lady last night, but having saved so many people during the chaos, he hadn’t remembered.

Seeing that Jiang Xinzhi seemed not to remember her, the young lady’s eyes immediately flashed with disappointment. After a moment, she smiled again: “My father is the Capital Magistrate and wishes to invite Master to our residence to express his gratitude.”

Jiang Xinzhi smiled slightly. Now that he had just entered the court and was showing signs of rising step by step, many court officials were stirring. After yesterday’s brief observation, some had probably developed ideas. This was an attempt at alliance? Though Jiang Xinzhi was a military general, he came from a scholarly family and wasn’t completely ignorant about court factions and alliances, understanding the principle of protecting oneself wisely. With his foundation still unstable and the succession struggle among princes so fierce in the court, he naturally wouldn’t be foolish enough to get involved.

This unconsciously revealed smile was both refined and handsome, immediately making Dong Ying’er’s face burn. Jiang Xinzhi politely said: “It was merely a small effort. Miss need not take it to heart. I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

After speaking, he didn’t wait for Dong Ying’er’s response and hurriedly rode away.

Dong Ying’er was first stunned—the words “Sister Ruan and I are good friends” were still stuck in her throat. At fourteen years old, this was the first time she had been so captivated by a man’s charm. In last night’s chaos, being held in this handsome young general’s arms was the first time she felt safe. When she learned he was Jiang Ruan’s elder brother, Dong Ying’er didn’t know how happy she was. She had even secretly snuck out today, and learning he was at the Guan residence, specifically waited at the gate just to see him once.

She had abandoned a woman’s dignity, yet Jiang Xinzhi seemed completely unaware. Dong Ying’er murmured: “Does he dislike me?”

“Miss is such a good person—how could Vice General Jiang dislike you?” the maid beside her consoled. “He must truly have urgent matters. Please don’t be sad, Miss.”

Dong Ying’er watched the figure on horseback gradually disappear, a trace of melancholy flashing in her eyes.

…

The news that the Jiang family’s legitimate eldest daughter Jiang Ruan had used her body to block a sword and saved the Empress Dowager’s life at the palace banquet spread throughout the entire capital that very night. Everyone knew that the always cold and aloof Empress Dowager had personally brought Jiang Ruan back to Cining Palace and summoned imperial physicians for treatment. Everyone said the Jiang family’s eldest daughter had turned misfortune into blessing—having saved the Empress Dowager’s life, she would be the Empress Dowager’s lifesaver from now on. Others scoffed, believing Jiang Ruan had merely used her own life to gamble for a future.

However, regardless of opinions, it was an undisputed fact that Jiang Ruan had gained Empress Dowager Yide’s favor.

Moreover, the next day brought even more shocking news: Empress Dowager Yide was about to depart for the ancestral temple beside the imperial mausoleum to pray for blessings, returning to the palace after three years, and had personally issued an imperial decree requesting the Jiang family’s eldest daughter to accompany her.

This was even more surprising than last night’s news. Forget a minister’s daughter—even Empress Dowager Yide’s own granddaughter didn’t receive such treatment. Everyone said Jiang Ruan must have won Empress Dowager Yide’s heart. This Jiang family eldest daughter, who had never been particularly favored, had somehow stumbled into incredible fortune.

Strange events continued to occur. Reportedly, the next day, Auxiliary General Zhao Guang personally went to court and submitted a memorial explaining that Jiang Ruan was Zhao family blood. Though the Zhao family had heartlessly severed ties with Zhao Mei back then, they sought nothing else now—only the Emperor’s grace that Jiang Ruan’s future marriage be decided by herself.

The Auxiliary General had devoted his life to country and people, never actively making requests. In front of all civil and military officials, the Emperor couldn’t refuse this simple plea. So with a wave of his hand: “Granted.”

Jiang Ruan’s reputation soared.

When Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi came to escort Jiang Ruan back to the residence, they encountered envious gazes all along the way. Bai Zhi worried: “Miss, are you injured anywhere? We servants were extremely worried, but we couldn’t stay in the palace and didn’t know what happened.”

“It’s nothing, just a minor injury.” Jiang Ruan waved her hand: “How are things at the residence now?”

Lian Qiao said: “After returning that night, Master and Madam went to the study. We don’t know what they discussed. Second Miss was frightened and called for a doctor who prescribed calming medicine before she slept. Second Young Master was very angry hearing about Eldest Young Master’s reward and actually went out drinking.” Her tone carried mockery: “He wasn’t carried back drunk until the next day.”

Jiang Ruan nodded: “What about Fourth Sister?”

“Fourth Miss…” Lian Qiao said mysteriously: “People from Left Gentleman’s residence came several times. He seems like a good person, insisting on taking responsibility for Fourth Miss, saying he’ll come in a few days to request her birth chart, but…”

Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. Indeed, Lian Qiao said: “After Third Miss learned of this matter, she said nothing but went to find Second Concubine. Second Concubine then went to find Master. Afterward, Master called Fourth Miss to the study for a talk. When Fourth Miss came out, her complexion was pale. Later Lu Zhu went to inquire—guess what, Miss?”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Third Sister wants to substitute?”

“How did Miss know?” Lian Qiao was surprised and continued: “Exactly! Apparently Second Concubine said something to Master, and he changed his mind. Originally Fourth Miss’s birth chart was to be sent over, but now he’s decided to substitute Third Miss instead.”

“Would Left Gentleman be willing to do this?” Jiang Ruan leaned against the carriage cushion, leisurely drinking tea.

“Left Gentleman doesn’t know about this. According to Second Concubine’s meaning, once married and the ceremony performed, Left Gentleman would have no choice. Then Master would personally speak with Left Gentleman and the matter would be settled.”

Bai Zhi also sighed: “Fourth Miss is truly too pitiful.”

Jiang Ruan didn’t think Jiang Dan was pitiful. Since she had schemed against Left Gentleman last night with such calculation, she had already made plans. She just hadn’t expected everything would become someone else’s wedding dress. As fellow concubine daughters, Jiang Li naturally couldn’t bear Jiang Dan marrying so well. Between Jiang Li and Jiang Dan, Jiang Quan definitely favored Jiang Li more. Whatever Second Concubine said to Jiang Quan must have involved profit to make him decide this way.

Lian Qiao also said: “Though Third Miss stealing Fourth Miss’s marriage prospects this way isn’t honorable, Left Gentleman’s family is extremely good, so she’ll definitely live much better than Fourth Miss in the future. Though Fourth Miss received Master’s consolation, she must feel uncomfortable inside.”

Jiang Ruan shook her head: “Wrong. Jiang Li won’t live better than Jiang Dan.”

Bai Zhi was puzzled: “Why does Miss say this?”

“Wait and see. In a few years, the outcome will be clear.”

What kind of person was Jiang Dan? She wasn’t someone who would silently swallow grievances. If Jiang Quan thought he could manipulate Jiang Dan at will now, he was gravely mistaken. Undeniably, the Jiang Li matter had already planted seeds of hatred in Jiang Dan’s heart. Such a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, once given opportunity, would unhesitatingly use its poison to kill enemies, leaving no room for mercy.

Jiang Li was in for a struggle.

The carriage rolled along and suddenly stopped. Lian Qiao was startled and instinctively went to lift the carriage curtain: “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Ruan tilted her head and through the curtain gap saw a corner of black clothing. After thinking briefly, she told the driver: “Have the coachman get down first.”

This place happened to be in a small alley with no one around. Bai Zhi was somewhat worried, but Jiang Ruan had already jumped down from the carriage first.

Indeed, upon alighting she saw a black figure with his back to her—cold, elegant, and the dark alley seemed to gain radiance because of him.

She signaled Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao to stay in the carriage and walked toward Xiao Shao. When she reached him, she said: “Prince Xiao.”

Xiao Shao looked down at her, thought for a moment, and asked: “You’re going to accompany the Empress Dowager to the ancestral temple?”

Jiang Ruan nodded: “Yes. Being able to accompany Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is my fortune.” After a pause, she looked at Xiao Shao: “Thank you for your assistance at the palace banquet that day.”

“Since you intended to be injured, I could only let the sword energy wound you slightly, but you were still hurt in the end. My apologies.” Xiao Shao said seriously.

Jiang Ruan was startled—he had actually seen through that she had actively met that sword. Her heart immediately felt complex. But she still smiled: “Ruan is different from Prince Xiao. Whatever Ruan wants, she obtains through her own efforts and schemes. If I hadn’t blocked that sword, I couldn’t have gotten what I wanted.”

“Did you get what you wanted?” Xiao Shao asked.

Jiang Ruan looked into the distance: “Almost.”

Xiao Shao’s beautiful eyes flashed with emotion. He pressed his lips together and took something from his chest to place in Jiang Ruan’s hand.

It was an exquisitely crafted small dagger inlaid with finest emerald cat’s eye stones—clearly no ordinary item. Jiang Ruan had seen it before; it was the dagger Xiao Shao never left without. She was startled: “Prince Xiao, this is…?”

“The ancestral temple is not completely safe either,” Xiao Shao said coolly. “It can assist you.” He said: “I must go to the Miao borderlands again. When I leave, I won’t be able to bid you farewell.”

Jiang Ruan was surprised—this person was quite strange, actually mentioning farewells. The dagger in her hand seemed to weigh heavily on her heart. Jiang Ruan shook her head: “This item has extraordinary meaning for Prince Xiao. Forgive me, I cannot accept it.”

“Birthday gift,” Xiao Shao said.

“Eh?” Jiang Ruan was startled again.

Xiao Shao explained: “This dagger is your birthday gift.” Then he said: “Things Xiao gives away are never taken back.” After speaking, he stared intently at the dagger with an expression suggesting he would never reclaim it.

Jiang Ruan was inwardly amused. Xiao Shao usually appeared cold and aloof—how could he be so childish now? Truly unexpected.

She looked at the person before her—black silk brocade, noble bearing, a handsome face cold and elegant with naturally ascetic aura. Yet his eyes were deep black like the night sky brilliantly starlit. Now looking at her seriously, he appeared somewhat stubborn.

Such a person—she actually felt her cheeks warming under those star-like eyes. Then coming to her senses, she silently cursed herself. She was just a young girl now; in Xiao Shao’s eyes she wasn’t even a woman yet. What was there to be embarrassed about?

“Thank you, Prince Xiao,” she said.

Xiao Shao’s gaze fell on Jiang Ruan’s wrist and suddenly said: “Very suitable for you.”

The Blood Moon Bracelet on Jiang Ruan’s hand emitted a faint blue glow. Under Xiao Shao’s gaze, Jiang Ruan quickly lowered her hand like being stung, her long sleeves covering her wrist. She was annoyed with herself—how was she so abnormal today? It must be because she was about to leave the capital, and this ally had repeatedly helped her, making her feel strange.

After speaking a few more words with Xiao Shao, she hurriedly boarded the carriage. The carriage rolled toward the alley exit. The black-clothed young man stood unmoved in the alley—elegant bones like green pines, graceful as flowing clouds. He watched the carriage depart coolly before turning to leave.

In the carriage, Jiang Ruan fell into contemplation. What had she been like three years later in her previous life?

…

In the Jiang residence, everything was in upheaval.

Whenever Xia Yan thought of Jiang Ruan accompanying Empress Dowager Yide to the ancestral temple, her heart felt like being twisted with knives. Why did such fortune fall to that little wretch Jiang Ruan!

Jiang Susu had been pale these past days. Every word Xuan Li spoke at the palace banquet that night stabbed into her heart. That such a distinguished and handsome man’s heart belonged to Jiang Ruan naturally made her unwilling. Now hearing news of Jiang Ruan’s departure, she laughed coldly: “Good, it’s good she’s leaving. Best if she dies in the ancestral temple.”

She looked at Xia Yan: “Mother, I want to go to the family temple.”

“Are you confused?” Xia Yan was shocked: “What family temple? Do you know that going to the family temple would ruin your whole life?”

But Jiang Susu wasn’t as agitated as usual. Her pale face was very calm: “Mother, I’ve thought it through. I want to go to the family temple. I’ve already asked Father, and he agreed.”

“Susu, what happened?” Xia Yan asked in alarm. Jiang Susu’s condition made her even more worried.

“Nothing,” Jiang Susu seemed unwilling to say more and turned her head away: “I’m just tired of life in the residence. Going to the family temple is good too—peaceful and quiet. Isn’t Jiang Ruan also going to the imperial ancestral temple? Why can’t I go? Don’t we need good reputations? Hasn’t she gotten where she is now relying on good reputation? I can do three years too.”

Xia Yan wanted to persuade further, but Jiang Susu said: “Mother needn’t say more. My mind is made up. I’ll depart in a few days.”

Jiang Ruan going to accompany the Empress Dowager to the family temple naturally made more than one person in the Jiang residence envious. Needless to say, Jiang Li, though she had gained a match with Left Gentleman, was extremely jealous thinking of Jiang Ruan being able to connect with the imperial family. In Jiang Dan’s courtyard, she lay sickly in bed.

A maid cried while saying: “Miss, please eat something. Your body will collapse if this continues.”

“I’m just unwilling,” Jiang Dan said hoarsely. “I schemed and calculated, yet ended up like this. Jiang Li stole my marriage prospects, Jiang Susu has Father’s protection, even Jiang Ruan—I originally thought she might not be much better than me, but now she’s infinitely glorious. What did I get?” Her eyes turned cold in an instant as she said quietly: “I’m just unwilling. Someday I’ll live better than all of them and make them all look up to me.”

If anyone in the Jiang residence was happiest, it was Madam Jiang. Jiang Ruan still bore the Jiang surname—she was Jiang family. Regardless of what others thought, when people mentioned Jiang Ruan, they knew she was a young lady from the Jiang residence. The Emperor’s favor toward Jiang Ruan was imperial grace toward the Jiang residence. Thinking this, she found the Jiang siblings increasingly dear.

At this time, Jiang Xinzhi was speaking with Jiang Ruan in Ruan Residence. Jiang Ruan naturally knew about his impending campaign against the Tianjin Kingdom. In her previous life, the war between Tianjin Kingdom and Great Jin Dynasty lasted five full years, but by then Jiang Xinzhi no longer existed. Now with history repeating, she naturally knew Great Jin ultimately won this campaign, but it was a pyrrhic victory. Tianjin Kingdom produced an extremely formidable military strategist who, with mysterious weapons, nearly made the numerically superior Great Jin suffer defeat.

Jiang Xinzhi had actually already made up his mind, but was somewhat worried about Jiang Ruan. Who knew that upon returning to the residence, he learned of Empress Dowager Yide taking Jiang Ruan away. His heart immediately felt relief—following Empress Dowager Yide was much safer than staying in the Jiang residence. However, he was also puzzled: “I don’t know why Her Majesty wants you to go, but accompanying rulers is like accompanying tigers—the same applies to the Empress Dowager. A Ruan, you must act according to circumstances and never let yourself suffer.”

Jiang Ruan smiled: “Big Brother needn’t worry about me. I have my own judgment.” She knew Jiang Xinzhi was campaigning for her sake. If not for wanting better protection for her, why would Jiang Xinzhi pursue such dangerous work? This man who had been a gentle, refined scholar’s son in her previous life—hands that once held brushes now grasped swords, white robes exchanged for armor.

She said: “Thank you, Big Brother.”

Jiang Xinzhi touched her head without speaking.

…

On the day the Empress Dowager left the capital: thirty-six palanquins, nine hundred elite guards, eighty-five carriages of silk and jade. The procession was vast and magnificent, imposing and impressive. The Emperor stood atop the highest palace wall, watching the entourage depart.

Jiang Xinzhi’s gaze was reluctant. Jiang Ruan quietly slipped paper into Jiang Xinzhi’s waist. Jiang Xinzhi was startled. Jiang Ruan smiled and whispered: “One letter for Big Brother, one for Master Hui Jue in the capital. Big Brother, take care.”

This was what she had spent an entire night copying from memory. In her previous life in the palace, she had heard about some battles between Tianjin Kingdom and Great Jin Dynasty. Some particularly dangerous campaigns were described in detail by palace people. Searching her memory, she wrote down all the battles she could remember and gave them to Jiang Xinzhi. Whether Jiang Xinzhi would suspect her, she no longer wanted to consider—she only wanted to ensure his safety. Now she only regretted not remembering more clearly, regretting not listening more carefully in her previous life. The more she remembered, the better Jiang Xinzhi’s chances of survival.

As for Master Hui Jue’s copy, it was merely insurance that certain matters would continue as planned during her three-year absence from the capital.

Jiang Xinzhi smiled: “A Ruan, take care.” He turned and left.

Lu Zhu lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside: “Truly magnificent, but Miss just arrived in the capital and now must leave again—it’s rather sad.”

“I’m not sad.” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. Outside, she could still see Jiang Xinzhi’s fluttering robes. As she turned toward those strange three years she had never experienced in her previous life, this young general would also enter the battlefield to fight and earn his unique pride and dignity.

Big Brother, from this farewell, I hope that in three years when we reunite, we will both be among the highest ranks, the most noble of nobles.

Both turned in opposite directions without looking back. Many years later, when Great Jin Dynasty became a prosperous and magnificent realm, this scene was often recounted with relish. The legendary siblings’ farewell at the city gate became the starting point of their truly glorious lives.

The horses neighed long and the rising sun burst forth, dyeing most of Great Jin’s sky red. Brilliant clouds cast light upon the high-spirited elite soldiers. As the ornate carriages departed, warm colors gently watched the procession fade into the distance.