Spring apricot blossoms filled the branches overhead. Beneath the tree sat a square azure stone table with a cup of fragrant tea and jade butterfly cakes arranged delicately in a dish. A gentle breeze stirred, causing flower petals to rain down in colorful profusion, landing on the person beneath the tree.
At the imperial ancestral temple, that person wore a slate-colored dress, head slightly lowered as she studied the chess pieces on the table. One hand held black stones, the other white, playing chess against herself. With her head lowered, her features weren’t clearly visible, but the plain dress outlined a graceful figure—slender waist barely a handful, long legs, fine waist, beautiful curves—pleasing to the eye even from a distance.
A maid-dressed young girl came running from afar, her sweet, lovely smile calling out from far away: “Miss! Miss!”
The slate-dressed young woman’s eyebrows moved slightly. Two older maids standing on either side glared at the approaching girl: “Lu Zhu, why are you being so rash again? Keep your voice down—you’re disturbing Miss’s chess game.”
Lu Zhu stuck out her tongue. Compared to the innocent, naive little girl from three years ago, she had matured considerably and appeared even more endearing and clever. She slowed her pace and walked to the slate-dressed young woman’s side: “This servant was too excited. Everything has been packed. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has already given orders—we depart early tomorrow morning.”
The slate-dressed young woman had just placed her final piece. She raised her face, revealing a beauty so stunning it seemed impossible for the mortal world to possess. Even wearing plain temple robes, she radiated an irrepressible allure. Her once slightly childish face had grown thin, making it appear only palm-sized. Her eyes sparkled like flowing springs or transparent amber gemstones. Her lips grew redder, her teeth whiter, and even with her hair loosely pinned in a simple knot, she possessed a languid charm.
Lian Qiao, who served closely by her side, was stunned. Her young lady had always been beautiful, but these past years as she matured, she had become so gorgeous it defied description. Even they, who served her intimately, sometimes lost their composure just looking at her. Who knew what sensation she would cause upon returning to the capital? Such excessive beauty wasn’t necessarily good, especially without the power to protect such beauty. However, with Empress Dowager Yide’s protection now, nothing should go wrong.
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Three whole years.”
Time flowed like water, gone in an instant. These three years, she had followed the Empress Dowager daily in the temple, eating vegetarian food and reciting sutras, living in plain clothes and Buddhist practice. Every day she accompanied the Empress Dowager, and with her exceptional patience—never growing impatient listening to masters recite sutras like ordinary young ladies would—she had greatly pleased Empress Dowager Yide. Over these three years, she had gradually permeated the Empress Dowager’s life, subtly pleasing her and slowly making her accept that while she wasn’t Princess Yuanrong, she could still make the Empress Dowager feel like she was treating a daughter.
So her persistent efforts paid off. Ten days ago, Empress Dowager Yide personally presided over her coming-of-age ceremony and sent a letter to the capital requesting she be granted the title of princess. The Emperor approved, bestowing the name Princess Hong’an.
Tomorrow they would depart for the capital. Once they returned to the palace, everyone would know of Great Jin Dynasty’s newly elevated princess, and her status would be completely different from before.
These years of being raised at Empress Dowager Yide’s side, she had never deliberately sought news from outside. The Jiang family had never sent letters, but when Empress Dowager Yide occasionally received news from the border battlefields between Tianjin Kingdom and Great Jin Dynasty, she would call Jiang Ruan to listen together. What was delightful was that over these three years, Jiang Xinzhi had repeatedly broken through enemy lines and achieved extraordinary merit. Fighting alongside Guan Lianghan, he was not inferior to Guan’s bravery. Moreover, whenever enemy forces attempted surprise attacks, he always struck first. The title of Great Jin Dynasty’s second war god had fallen to Jiang Xinzhi.
However, the war was not completely settled, so Jiang Xinzhi temporarily couldn’t return to the capital. Thus this legendary reputation grew ever more mythical.
Empress Dowager Yide reclined on her couch, smiling faintly: “Ruan child, you truly have a capable elder brother.”
Jiang Ruan nodded, pride slowly rising in her heart.
For three years, she had lived peacefully in the temple, listening to Buddhist teachings and reciting sutras daily, knowing nothing of outside events. In Empress Dowager Yide’s eyes, she was like an ordinary young lady, never showing anything different. But Jiang Ruan knew that hatred had never truly been removed from her heart for even a single day. She knelt before the Buddha’s golden statue with devout expression, yet cursed in her heart. She smiled gently at the young monks sweeping the courtyard, but her mind calculated how to destroy those people step by step. Each night she leaned against her bedside, scenes from her previous life passing before her eyes. The more furious her heart became, the more gentle her expression.
She conducted demonic business at the Buddha’s feet—so what?
The journey back to the capital was about to begin. Had those people prepared themselves for hell?
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, looking toward the chess board under the apricot tree. Black and white stones were exhausted, appearing chaotic but forming a deadly trap—white stones had no retreat while black stones created killing moves at every step.
She gently swept the chess board with her wide sleeve, scattering the pieces. Victory and defeat returned to invisibility.
Everything was just beginning.
…
In the eleventh year of Xuande, Empress Dowager Yide returned to the capital.
The capital was extraordinarily lively this day. Teahouses and taverns buzzed with discussion of this event. Empress Dowager Yide had left the capital three years ago and only returned today. Reportedly, the Emperor led all civil and military officials to welcome her—an unprecedented spectacle. Common people couldn’t witness this grandeur but imagined it in their hearts, feeling as excited as if they could see it personally.
This day happened to have excellent weather. Spring arrived earlier than usual, and the morning sun seemed to know it was a special day, shining more brilliantly than yesterday.
In the Jiang residence, Xia Yan was gently arranging Jiang Quan’s official robes. She smiled: “I’ve already ordered the small kitchen to prepare your favorite osmanthus chicken today.”
Jiang Quan frowned slightly: “You needn’t handle such trivial matters—leave them to the servants.” His gaze fell on Xia Yan’s abdomen: “You should focus on nurturing your health.”
Xia Yan’s eyebrows immediately showed joy: “Speaking of which, I haven’t arranged any concubines for you recently. My maid Lin Lang is quite obedient…”
“Unnecessary,” Jiang Quan waved his hand. “With Hong Ying around, what would people say? I must go now—His Majesty has decreed we cannot be late today.” He fastened the top two buttons of his collar himself and hurried out.
After Jiang Quan left, Xia Yan’s smile immediately vanished completely. She had thought pregnancy was good fortune, but it only gave that vixen Hong Ying opportunities to exploit. Jiang Quan hadn’t visited her courtyard for a long time, leaving everything to Hong Ying. Now she couldn’t even place Lin Lang with him.
She sat down dejectedly. Nanny Li beside her quickly offered a cup of red date honey water: “Madam mustn’t argue with Master—be careful not to harm the young master in your womb.”
“Nanny, I’m not being willful,” Xia Yan’s eyes flashed with sorrow. “He only knows today is the Empress Dowager’s return, but doesn’t know today is also when Susu returns to the residence. Susu has been at the family temple for three years—I haven’t seen her for three years. But look, today he didn’t even ask about her once. Does he still care about Susu?”
Xia Yan’s tone was so resentful that Nanny Li quickly said: “Madam must not speak such words. If that person hears, she might cause trouble with Master again.”
“That person” naturally referred to Fifth Concubine Hong Ying. Over these years, Hong Ying’s position in the Jiang residence had grown increasingly stable, almost reaching the point of rivaling Xia Yan. Though Nanny Li spoke thus, Xia Yan was currently angry and couldn’t listen, only cursing: “Bah! Nothing but a brothel girl—what’s she putting on airs for? Still relying on seducing men—such underhanded methods!”
If someone passed by now, they would be shocked to hear such words from Xia Yan’s mouth—the woman renowned throughout the capital as a talented lady speaking like a common shrew.
Seeing Xia Yan’s state, Nanny Li quickly comforted: “Why should Madam compete with such people? No matter how favored, without children she’s still at Madam’s mercy. Men all seek novelty. Master is only temporarily bewitched by that vixen. When she ages and fades without children to rely on, she won’t have a good end. Once Madam bears Master a young master, he’ll naturally know only Madam truly cares for him. With a young master by your side, what is there to fear?”
Xia Yan gradually calmed down and sighed: “You’re right. That slut is just a hen that can’t lay eggs—nothing to fear. Now Chao’er is gradually improving and can help this one in my womb in the future.”
Jiang Chao now worked under Xuan Li, managing commercial affairs in the capital. This position wasn’t large but definitely not small either. These years Jiang Chao had worked hard and performed well, earning Xuan Li’s appreciation. Jiang Quan, previously disappointed in Jiang Chao, had gradually changed his opinion of this son over three years.
What worried Xia Yan most was Jiang Susu. Jiang Susu never replied to letters sent to her, only briefly had others say she was well. She wouldn’t even see Xia Yan. After three years, Jiang Susu returned to the capital today. Xia Yan was delighted, but Jiang Quan’s cold response made her lose composure.
She slowly placed her hand on her abdomen. At just over three months, the pregnancy was stable. The doctor had examined her and said it was very likely a male child. If truly a boy, it meant she could gain an advantage in her confrontation with Hong Ying. Xia Yan looked down at her slightly protruding belly: “My child, you must be safe.”
…
As Empress Dowager Yide returned to the capital, elite soldiers stood guard before the palace gates with magnificent ceremonies spanning hundreds of li. The Emperor led all civil and military officials to welcome her. The long procession approached from afar. Under sunlight, the palace appeared extraordinarily magnificent, and the purple-patterned imperial carriage inlaid with gold thread gleamed brilliantly in the sun. The procession solemnly began, civil officials on the left, military officials on the right, all bowing in long rows: “Respectfully welcoming Her Majesty the Empress Dowager’s return to the capital.”
The imperial carriage stopped before the palace gates. Exquisitely dressed palace maids hurried forward to lift the pearl curtains from the carriage. Empress Dowager Yide emerged in golden court robes, enamel-based buttons inlaid with turquoise—magnificent and noble. Supported as she stepped out, she glanced coolly at everyone. That single look made people feel irresistible pressure.
Behind the imperial carriage closely followed a begonia-colored palanquin, equally luxurious and magnificent, emanating subtle fragrance. For some reason, everyone unconsciously looked curiously at that palanquin, as if anticipating who would emerge.
The palanquin also stopped, the movement gentle as if afraid of startling the occupant. This made people’s hearts itch with curiosity. Then two green-dressed maids approached—both tall with clear, attractive features. One appeared steadier, the other more spirited. Both stood beside the palanquin, reaching out to assist the person inside.
A delicate jade hand extended.
Those hands appeared fair and translucent, nothing particularly special, but a bracelet emitting faint blue light at the wrist made that pale little hand appear incredibly beautiful—soft as boneless, stirring inexplicable feelings in viewers’ hearts.
The left maid fully opened the curtain, and the person inside bent down and stepped out.
At that moment a gentle breeze arose, making everyone instinctively squint slightly. When they reopened their eyes, they saw before the magnificent ceremonies and thousands of elite soldiers, a figure in soul-stirring red approaching from afar.
This was an otherworldly beauty.
She wore bright red flowing brocade palace dress with dark flower patterns, a begonia-colored gold-threaded butterfly and flower cloud-patterned skirt. Over this, a light crimson embroidered silk grass and cloud-wild goose wide-sleeved double silk damask phoenix robe. Her hair was styled in a hibiscus returning cloud coiffure, raven-black hair pinned behind her head, making her skin appear snow-white. Yet that mass of fiery red seemed to splash from heaven, falling like brilliant sunset clouds on Great Jin Dynasty. Eyebrows like spring water, eyes like peach blossoms, lips red as cherries—those features seemed painted from thousand-year-old court lady portraits, lacking celestial air but like an enchanting spirit accidentally fallen to this earthly realm.
She approached slowly from afar, fiery red skirts flowing and fluttering behind her. Drawing closer, one could see this woman’s makeup was exquisite and magnificent, with gold powder delicately sprinkled at her eye corners, creating stunning beauty. Those eye corners lifted subtly upward, lips curved in a smile, hands folded before her—dignified yet seductive, cold yet alluring.
“Nation-toppling demoness.” This thought simultaneously arose in everyone’s minds.
Such a woman deserved the title “nation-toppling demoness.”
A eunuch’s voice stretched long: “Respectfully welcoming Princess Hong’an’s return to the capital—”
Princess Hong’an. Everyone was moved with awe.
No one could forget how three years ago, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family had used her body to block a sword, saving Empress Dowager Yide’s life. The Empress Dowager had specially rewarded her by taking her to the ancestral temple. Recently, the Emperor had formally granted her the title Princess Hong’an. Everyone knew Empress Dowager Yide treated this Princess Hong’an differently from others. Now seeing her personally, this Princess Hong’an was indeed breathtakingly beautiful—truly the world’s foremost beauty.
Even the Emperor couldn’t help but squint slightly.
Needless to say, when Jiang Quan in the crowd saw those features, he immediately knew it was Jiang Ruan. His body couldn’t help trembling slightly. He had always known Jiang Ruan was beautiful, inheriting seven parts of Zhao Mei’s appearance, but hadn’t known this daughter would grow to be like a young phoenix shedding its tender feathers, radiating total magnificence and beauty capable of toppling nations. Such beauty was enough to move men, but what she brought the Jiang residence might not be glory.
Eighth Prince Xuan Li stared intently at that approaching peerless beauty. If three years ago his interest in Jiang Ruan was merely for control and exploitation, now seeing her, beyond amazement was a sense of determination to possess her. Beautiful women in this world were numerous, but intelligent and beautiful ones were rare. As intelligent as she was, as beautiful as she was—this was truly unique under heaven. Xuan Li’s heart stirred slightly. This woman was worthy of matching him and standing beside him. When he became king in the future, she must be queen!
Fifth Prince Xuan Hua’s eyes also brightened. The Crown Prince naturally felt a flash of amazement, and even the mediocre Fourth Prince Xuan Lang couldn’t help showing traces of admiration.
General Gu Xiuwen frowned. Long ago he had learned from his wife about Gu Yi’s infatuation with the eldest daughter of the Jiang family. Initially he thought the Jiang family was reaching above their station, and importantly, Jiang Ruan wasn’t valued by Jiang Quan. Later, as Jiang Xinzhi rose step by step, Zhao Guang acknowledged his granddaughter, and Jiang Ruan herself was granted the title Princess Hong’an. He had thought this was finally suitable, but seeing this young lady’s outstanding appearance today, he felt uneasy. Such beauty might bring disaster.
Princess He Yi nestled beside Noble Consort Shu, feeling hostility rise in her heart upon seeing this young lady. She had thought her appearance was supreme in Great Jin’s capital. Who knew this red-dressed young lady’s appearance would make hers seem like a joke—like comparing moonlight to fireflies. Hearing the title Princess Hong’an, she immediately clenched her fists, malice flashing across her face.
Xiao Shao’s words from three years ago remained a permanent thorn in Princess He Yi’s heart. She had originally wanted to find a way to harm Jiang Ruan, at least make her life worse than death. Who knew the Empress Dowager’s decree would allow Jiang Ruan to escape by following her to the imperial ancestral temple? Ten days ago, hearing Jiang Ruan would return to the capital, she had considered every possible harmful method. But seeing Jiang Ruan’s appearance today made her heart churn like stormy seas.
Vixen! She must have used this demoness face to bewitch someone like Xiao Shao!
Jiang Ruan smiled as she walked forward, her gaze inconspicuously sweeping the front row, taking in everyone’s expressions. Consort Chen smiled at her, seemingly completely unaffected by her appearance. But Jiang Ruan knew what that smile meant: I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.
She had also been waiting for this moment for a long time.
When her gaze fell on Master Hui Jue standing not far from the Emperor, she smiled slightly again. Hui Jue remained as kindly as in her memory, but compared to three years ago, his features were more peaceful and calm. At first glance, he truly resembled a Buddha statue worshipped in temples.
Three years ago when Jiang Ruan left, she had asked Jiang Xinzhi to give Master Hui Jue a paper detailing major events that might occur in the capital over these three years. Hui Jue was already shrewd and knew how to seize opportunities. With this paper, he was like a tiger with wings, following the guidance to “accidentally” reveal heavenly secrets, finally gaining the attention of the palace’s supreme ruler.
Hui Jue had used three years to finally climb to the position of National Master. This chess piece had finally reached its proper position.
Her gaze swept again over another familiar figure beside the Emperor—that young man stood straight with natural proud and noble bearing. Jiang Ruan noticed his clothing had changed to first-rank court robes. She walked forward step by step, her smile deepening. Liu Min had finally become the current Grand Tutor, holding first rank.
Everything was excellent. Even after three years away from the capital, the chess game continued at its unhurried pace. She walked before the Emperor and bowed: “This subject daughter pays respects to Father Emperor.”
The Empress Dowager had acknowledged her as adopted daughter, meaning she need not worry about being sent to the palace again to become the Emperor’s woman, entering the same fate as her previous life. Empress Dowager Yide had done this for her benefit. Seeing her beauty grow daily, knowing Jiang Ruan’s aspirations lay elsewhere, she had simply requested the title, completely cutting off the possibility of Jiang Ruan entering the palace.
This made some people secretly rejoice while others felt disappointed.
“Rise,” the Emperor said coolly.
Jiang Ruan stood up, her peripheral vision noting Xiao Shao’s absence from the surroundings. She wondered—given Xiao Shao’s status, he should have attended today. Now seeing no trace of him anywhere, she recalled his parting words: “I must go to the Miao borderlands again.” The Miao regions had always been dangerous—could something have happened?
Thinking this, her brow involuntarily furrowed. After consideration, she mentally dismissed this guess. In her previous life, Xiao Shao hadn’t died at this time, so presumably nothing serious would happen. Lost in thought, she looked up to meet a pair of smiling eyes—Xuan Li’s.
Xuan Li looked at her with extremely gentle gaze, his white robes flowing elegantly—truly like jade personified. Three years later, he appeared more mature than before, like ancient jade polished even smoother, more eye-catching.
However, she had long experienced this person’s true nature. Jiang Ruan smiled coolly, turned her head away, her gaze undisguisedly disgusted.
Xuan Li was startled. If three years ago he thought Jiang Ruan only hated him because of Jiang Susu, today he clearly realized Jiang Ruan’s disgust wasn’t due to Jiang Susu. Jiang Ruan despised him from her very core, as if it were natural. He considered himself to have done nothing to make Jiang Ruan hate him, yet every time she saw him, she showed distance and disgust.
Xuan Li frowned thoughtfully, then suddenly smiled again. No matter—even so, he was confident he could make Jiang Ruan surrender her heart. How could the woman he favored easily escape?
Then followed standard ceremonies. After completing the tedious rituals, Jiang Ruan accompanied Empress Dowager Yide back to Cining Palace first. After three years, the Empress Dowager was somewhat delighted to return to the palace. Palace maids and eunuchs showed respectful deference upon seeing Jiang Ruan, knowing this Princess Hong’an was now Empress Dowager Yide’s favorite, also General Zhao’s precious granddaughter with a brother hailed as “Great Jin Dynasty’s War God”—truly blessed with countless favors, not to be offended.
Jiang Ruan accompanied the Empress Dowager in Cining Palace for a while before the Empress Dowager claimed fatigue and granted Jiang Ruan permission to leave the palace to visit the Jiang residence, bringing rewards along. This was Empress Dowager Yide supporting her. Jiang Ruan smiled her thanks and left Cining Palace.
…
In the imperial garden, Princess He Yi’s slender fingers tapped the cup before her: “Fifth Brother, haven’t you decided yet?”
Fifth Prince Xuan Hua’s handsome face showed dark expression: “Tenth Sister, do you take Fifth Brother for someone you can use at will?”
“Why must Fifth Brother speak so?” He Yi’s beautiful face bloomed in a smile, yet stinging like a venomous snake. “Princess Hong’an isn’t ordinary. If Fifth Brother could marry her, Jiang Xinzhi will eventually command one of the three armies, that old General Zhao will follow you, plus the Empress Dowager’s support—isn’t Fifth Brother moved?”
Xuan Hua’s eyes flashed slightly: “You speak well, but this is too risky.”
“Wealth comes from taking risks,” Princess He Yi smiled slightly. “If Fifth Brother is afraid, that’s fine too. I hear Eighth Brother has always been close to the Xia family, the Jiang residence’s in-laws. Presumably his relationship with the Jiang residence is also good. Just now I clearly saw how Eighth Brother looked at Princess Hong’an—tsk tsk. I think since Princess Hong’an has come of age, Eighth Brother will visit to propose marriage soon. Then both the Zhao and Guan armies will be Eighth Brother’s.”
Xuan Hua’s expression shifted, but he still said: “So what? Princess Hong’an previously refused marriage at the palace banquet. Now that Father Emperor permits her to choose her own husband, she certainly won’t choose Eighth Brother.”
“Fifth Brother, how can you be so naive?” Princess He Yi sighed. “Since I’ve told Fifth Brother such methods, if you don’t agree, I’ll certainly tell Eighth Brother too. If Fifth Brother refuses but Eighth Brother agrees, won’t Princess Hong’an have to marry Eighth Brother?”
“You’re threatening me?” Xuan Hua raged.
“Just reminding Fifth Brother,” Princess He Yi smiled slightly. “My mother consort doesn’t get along with Noble Consort Chen, so naturally I wouldn’t genuinely help him—that’s a last resort. Isn’t this why I came to Fifth Brother? Fifth Brother, think carefully. That Princess Hong’an is quite a beauty—you won’t lose out, Fifth Brother.”
Xuan Hua’s mind immediately filled with images of Jiang Ruan’s seductive, city-toppling face. His breathing caught—yes, he was a man. Seeing such a peerless beauty and claiming not to be moved would be false. Moreover, Jiang Ruan’s backing wasn’t to be underestimated. These three years, his succession struggle with Xuan Li had intensified. The more brotherly they appeared on surface, the more they privately wished to destroy each other. With Jiang Xinzhi and the Zhao family’s support, wouldn’t that be additional leverage? And with Empress Dowager Yide valuing Princess Hong’an so much, if he could win her over…
Xuan Hua laughed coldly: “Tenth Sister, don’t try to fool me. Tell me, what’s your real purpose?”
“Simple,” Princess He Yi’s beautiful face twisted instantly. “I want that bitch completely ruined.”
Xuan Hua was startled, then angrily said: “What do you mean? If she’s to be my imperial consort, how can she be ruined?”
“Fifth Brother, don’t speak too absolutely. If you rashly propose marriage now, Princess Hong’an is at her peak of fame. How would the Zhao family and Jiang Xinzhi willingly agree? Moreover, her marriage is now in Jiang Ruan’s own hands. But what if Jiang Ruan actively fell for Fifth Brother and offered herself? Then in broad daylight, even if Jiang Ruan cried and begged not to marry, she’d have no choice. The imperial family won’t tolerate such a shameless woman. When Fifth Brother speaks again, willing to offer the principal wife position, won’t the Zhao family and Jiang Xinzhi be grateful? Fifth Brother gains benefits while Great Jin Dynasty knows Princess Hong’an isn’t as proper as she appears. This is win-win.”
Xuan Hua stared at Princess He Yi for a moment, then suddenly laughed: “They say the most venomous are women’s hearts. Today I first see Tenth Sister is so calculating too.”
Princess He Yi sneered: “She deserves to die.” Xuan Hua was someone with countless concubines in his residence, keeping a whole courtyard of bedroom servants. If Jiang Ruan entered Fifth Prince’s residence, those women certainly wouldn’t spare her. Once her reputation was ruined, Empress Dowager Yide wouldn’t treat her as warmly as before. Great Jin Dynasty most despised immoral women—she would face constant difficulties thereafter. When Xuan Hua tired of Jiang Ruan, dealing with her would be effortless.
“Deal.” Xuan Hua readily agreed: “I only want the person and influence. The process doesn’t matter. If Tenth Sister wants anything in the future, I’ll naturally be happy to do the favor.”
Princess He Yi smiled slightly: “Then thank you, Fifth Brother.”
…
Jiang Ruan had just walked to the imperial garden with a guiding palace maid when two unfamiliar palace maids approached. These two were well-dressed, clearly not ordinary servants. Seeing Jiang Ruan, they bowed slightly and said: “Miss Jiang, the Princess requests your presence for a conversation.”
Though speaking thus, their tone showed no respect, their gazes clearly appraising. Jiang Ruan smiled silently. The guiding palace maid quickly said: “Sisters, this servant is escorting Miss Jiang out of the palace. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager ordered Miss Jiang to return to the Jiang residence first.”
“The Princess has urgent matters to discuss with Miss Jiang. The Princess shows sincere intention—surely Miss Jiang won’t disappoint the Princess’s goodwill.” One palace maid smiled.
This was forcing her to go? The guiding palace maid was troubled, thinking how Princess He Yi usually ran wild in the palace relying on Noble Consort Shu. This palace maid was also quite wary.
The two palace maids looked at Jiang Ruan with leisure, seemingly certain Jiang Ruan wouldn’t dare refuse. In fact, Princess He Yi was indeed arrogant and domineering in the palace, and the Emperor favored her, so everyone had to give Princess He Yi face. And Jiang Ruan had just returned to the capital—she surely wouldn’t dare offend the Princess.
Jiang Ruan smiled at them, saying nothing, appearing completely unhurried. After waiting a while with Jiang Ruan’s posture unchanged, one palace maid lost patience: “Is Miss Jiang trying to make things difficult for us servants?”
“Insolence!” Jiang Ruan’s tone suddenly became stern, her expression no longer showing the gentle smiling warmth of before. She said coldly: “Who gave you such audacity to shout at this Princess?”
The two palace maids were stunned. Before they could speak, Jiang Ruan continued: “This Princess was personally granted title by His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, bestowed a name by His Majesty. You two, seeing this Princess, repeatedly address me as Miss Jiang. What—as palace servants, do you not know this Princess’s identity? Or do you only recognize Princess He Yi as your master?”
The guiding palace maid was also shocked. Earlier she had been troubled—though Jiang Ruan was said to be deeply favored by Empress Dowager Yide, Princess He Yi had also been favored in the palace for years. Offending Princess He Yi for Jiang Ruan’s sake made her uneasy. Seeing Jiang Ruan always smiling sweetly, she instinctively thought this Princess Hong’an was a soft target. She hadn’t expected Jiang Ruan to speak so forcefully, only then realizing Jiang Ruan wasn’t someone to be bullied at will. So she straightened her back: “Yes, sisters, why didn’t you perform proper greetings to the Princess?”
The two palace maids were startled, bit their teeth, and performed the servant-to-princess greeting to Jiang Ruan: “We servants were presumptuous earlier. But Princess Hong’an, our Princess is still waiting for you. For you to act this way—isn’t it somewhat…”
“What if I simply don’t go?” Jiang Ruan looked down at them from above. Under those seductive yet cold eyes, the two palace maids felt they were merely insignificant ants in Jiang Ruan’s view—even a glance was superfluous. Jiang Ruan said: “This Princess and Princess He Yi are of equal rank. Princess He Yi has no authority to command this Princess. You’re merely servants. Did your master not teach you palace etiquette, or do you take this Princess for someone easily bullied?”