A plain-colored carriage slowly stopped in front of the Jiang residence. Xia Yan, who came out to greet them, trembled slightly as she saw two maids helping a delicate young lady step down from the carriage.
That young lady was indeed Jiang Susu. Compared to three years ago, Jiang Susu had obviously grown taller. Perhaps from staying long at the family temple, she seemed to possess a certain tranquil quality. Her previous petulance was completely gone, leaving only a faint sense of aloofness. She wore a smile at the corners of her lips, and the scars on her face were completely invisible. Her features were vivacious and bright—somehow, though still possessing delicate beauty, they seemed to contain a subtle allure. If one carefully observed her every movement, it would be somewhat distracting.
When Xia Yan first saw her face, her heart filled with joy. Supporting her waist, she clumsily stepped forward a few paces and looked at Jiang Susu’s face: “Susu, how did your face heal?”
The doctor who had examined her at the residence had said Jiang Susu’s facial scars probably couldn’t be healed, and perhaps with some precious medicines in the future, they might fade somewhat. But now Jiang Susu’s skin was like a peeled egg—where was there even the slightest trace of disfigurement?
Jiang Susu looked at her and smiled gently: “When the time came, it naturally healed.” Those eyes just glanced lightly at Xia Yan, yet Xia Yan felt her mind strangely affected. For some reason, she felt the Jiang Susu before her was extraordinarily strange, completely different from before. Yet looking carefully, it was still the same Jiang Susu. She suppressed her suspicions and said: “Susu, it’s good you’re back. These three years, you were so heartless not to see your mother…”
Jiang Susu acted as if she hadn’t heard, her gaze moving past Xia Yan to fall on a palanquin at the residence’s entrance.
It was a begonia-colored palanquin, carried uniformly by four palace guards. The palanquin was both exquisite and magnificent, without indicating the identity of its occupant. Along the way, many curious common people had followed, wanting to see which residence’s noble person this was.
The palanquin stopped at the Jiang residence entrance.
Jiang Susu stared at the palanquin without speaking.
Two elegantly dressed maids emerged from behind the palanquin, smiling as they opened the pearl curtains and welcomed out the person inside.
The red-dressed young lady possessed absolutely stunning beauty, her very movement containing heart-stopping magnificence. She walked slowly, and with each step forward, Xia Yan’s fingernails dug deeper into her palms.
Finally, the red-dressed young lady walked before Xia Yan and smiled as she spoke: “Ruan pays respects to Mother, Second Sister. It’s been so long.”
Xia Yan only felt a surge of frustration rushing to her face. News of Jiang Ruan’s glory in the palace had naturally been spread by loose tongues. Thinking of this, Xia Yan wanted nothing more than to tear Jiang Ruan to pieces. Why didn’t such good fortune fall to Jiang Susu instead? Now that Jiang Susu had just returned to the residence, Jiang Ruan chose this moment to appear. With this comparison, outsiders seeing this would surely start new rumors in the capital tomorrow. People always stepped on the low and praised the high. Both had entered temples, yet Jiang Ruan returned in such glory while Jiang Susu had only a single carriage. Her heart was bursting with anger—Jiang Ruan was clearly doing this deliberately!
Jiang Susu quietly looked at Jiang Ruan, then suddenly smiled: “Elder Sister, it’s been so long—you’ve become even more beautiful.” Her expression was calm, truly showing some otherworldly bearing, yet somehow her entire being emanated a special meaning that even women couldn’t help but be moved by. If one had to use a word to describe it, it would be “enchantress nun.” Yes, Jiang Susu still carried the scent of sandalwood, wore plain blue clothing without cosmetics, truly having the feeling of a fairy maiden. Yet her every movement carried a different kind of allure. One mustn’t look, mustn’t look—looking would steal one’s soul away.
Jiang Ruan withdrew her gaze and smiled slightly: “Second Sister has been away and doesn’t know—Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has now granted me the title Princess Hong’an. Though we two are sisters and Mother and I are mother and daughter, propriety cannot be abandoned. If word spreads, there might be talk of disrespecting the imperial family. So Ruan boldly reminds you that in the future, the proper protocols should be established. Otherwise, if the censors hear of it, Father might face impeachment.”
Jiang Susu’s originally calm face, upon hearing these words, had the muscles in her cheeks violently contract, showing somewhat unnatural distortion. She slowly raised her head to look at Jiang Ruan, emotions shifting like clouds in her eyes for an instant before returning to calm. She smiled slightly and curtsied to Jiang Ruan: “Susu pays respects to the Princess.”
Jiang Ruan smiled as she bid her rise. Xia Yan nearly bit through her teeth. Jiang Ruan thought briefly, her gaze falling thoughtfully on Xia Yan’s abdomen: “Mother may be excused from the formalities. Since Mother is with child now, if she were to harm herself, I’m afraid Ruan would also be implicated.”
Seeing her gaze, Xia Yan was startled, her hands instinctively protecting her abdomen as she stared at her warily, forcing a smile: “What are you saying?”
Jiang Ruan smiled even more gently: “Mother protects herself so tightly—those who don’t know might think I intend to do something to Mother’s unborn child. Mother worries too much.” She turned her head and happened to see Jiang Susu looking at Xia Yan’s belly with startlingly bright eyes, giving a bone-chilling feeling. Jiang Ruan secretly became alert and said with a smile: “Looking at Second Sister’s expression, she also greatly loves the little one in Mother’s belly. It seems Mother will soon add a little brother to the residence.” After speaking, she didn’t wait any longer and smilingly ordered her maids to follow her into the residence.
Xia Yan instinctively looked toward Jiang Susu’s gaze and was shocked by what she saw. Jiang Susu’s look toward her abdomen showed no tenderness or affection—that gaze seemed not to be staring at an abdomen but at a delicious feast, ready to pounce and devour everything completely.
Xia Yan now regarded the child in her womb as her lifeline. Seeing Jiang Susu’s terrifying expression, she immediately stepped back. Her movement was too abrupt, startling Jiang Susu back to awareness. The greed in her eyes immediately vanished as she smiled: “Mother, I’ll also go in first.”
After speaking, she gave Xia Yan’s abdomen another meaningful look and slowly entered the residence. Xia Yan stood dazed in place, still thinking about Jiang Susu’s earlier expression. For some reason, her heart felt completely cold.
…
After living in the residence for several days, nothing particularly noteworthy happened. The Empress Dowager’s generous rewards were carried into the Jiang residence one cart after another, and no one dared covet them. Jiang Chao spent his days busy outside with Xuan Li and naturally hadn’t been seen in the residence. Jiang Quan wouldn’t actively seek out his daughter Jiang Ruan for heart-to-heart talks. Lu Zhu learned that over these three years, Jiang Dan had become even more reclusive, her personality more introverted. Madam Jiang’s health had also begun showing obvious signs of decline—on the day of return, she only spoke with Jiang Ruan briefly before becoming tired.
Xia Yan’s pregnancy had passed the first three months, and with careful nurturing, there should be no problems ahead. In her previous life, this child in Xia Yan’s womb ultimately wasn’t born—she miscarried a month later. The investigation revealed Fifth Concubine Hong Ying was responsible. Jiang Quan was furious and confined Hong Ying to the woodshed, but Hong Ying found a rope and hanged herself in the woodshed. Looking back now, there were many suspicious points. Though Hong Ying was quite capable of such an act, hanging herself wasn’t something her personality would drive her to do.
Even following the previous life’s trajectory, Xia Yan’s fetus couldn’t be saved. But Hong Ying… she was also curious whether Hong Ying really did it.
While pondering this, Lian Qiao lifted the curtain and said: “Miss, Fifth Concubine has come.”
Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow—Hong Ying moved quite quickly.
She ordered Hong Ying to be welcomed in. Hong Ying’s clothing was much more refined than three years ago. Though still not displaying wealth and grandeur, the materials and accessories were all fine items. It seemed Jiang Quan had treated her well these three years. This made sense—in her previous life when she first returned to the Jiang residence, it was exactly this time. Back then, Hong Ying had already reached the point of rivaling Xia Yan. Now with Xia Yan pregnant, Hong Ying found it more convenient to serve Jiang Quan.
Hong Ying sat down across from Jiang Ruan somewhat cautiously. These three years had been extremely comfortable and pleasant for her. Xia Yan’s previous actions had created a rift in Jiang Quan’s heart. The couple wasn’t very close, giving her opportunities to exploit. Over these three years, Jiang Quan valued her more and more, but who knew Xia Yan would become pregnant at this crucial moment.
Fortunately, Jiang Ruan had returned. Hong Ying always felt inexplicable awe toward Jiang Ruan. Ever since witnessing this seemingly gentle young lady’s various formidable methods in the residence three years ago, she had sought to curry favor. Now it proved her judgment was correct—Jiang Ruan had gained Empress Dowager Yide’s favor, Jiang Xinzhi continued rising, Zhao Guang also valued her, and now she had become a princess. With her abilities, wouldn’t this residence be under her control?
Thinking this, Hong Ying became respectful and humbly said: “This concubine pays respects to the Princess.”
“Concubine needn’t be so formal.” Jiang Ruan picked up the teapot before her: “Concubine and I are family—no need for empty ceremonies.” She smiled at the woman before her: “After three years apart, Concubine seems to be doing well.”
“All thanks to Miss’s good fortune,” Hong Ying smiled. “Miss is truly blessed.”
Jiang Ruan smiled and exchanged pleasantries with her. Soon enough, Hong Ying tentatively asked: “Does Miss know about Madam’s pregnancy?”
“Father having a child in his old age—who in this residence doesn’t know? Ruan isn’t deaf or blind.” Jiang Ruan’s tone carried faint mockery, immediately making Hong Ying’s eye twitch. However, the act had to continue. Her face immediately showed worry: “Speaking of this makes Miss laugh—this is exactly what this concubine worries about.”
“Oh? What does Concubine worry about?” Jiang Ruan asked with a smile.
“This concubine considers Miss a confidante, so I’ll shamelessly speak frankly. Though Madam’s pregnancy is good, these years due to Master’s affections, Madam has many misunderstandings about this concubine. If she bears a young master, who knows how she might vent on this concubine.” Hong Ying appeared truly distressed and uneasy.
“Concubine speaks too seriously.” Jiang Ruan smiled consolingly: “Mother has a compassionate heart—how could she vent on Concubine? Besides, Father wouldn’t allow it. If Concubine were wronged, Father would be the first to object.”
Hong Ying took out a handkerchief to dab her eyes, wiping away non-existent tears, and said bitterly: “Master treats this concubine well—that’s this concubine’s fortune. But women giving birth is always extremely dangerous. Speaking harshly, if Madam encounters any mishap, the blame would fall on this concubine. This concubine would have grievances with no voice, unable to clear herself of accusations. This concubine is alone in this residence—if truly accused of such crimes, I fear… I fear even death wouldn’t leave a whole corpse.”
Jiang Ruan quietly observed Hong Ying. Regardless of how much truth was in Hong Ying’s words, she was clearly an intelligent person who had thought of this point. But if she had considered this, how could she have fallen for Xia Yan’s trap in the previous life? Jiang Ruan didn’t believe Hong Ying had caused Xia Yan’s miscarriage in the previous life. In fact, Hong Ying was an extremely clever woman who knew how to assess situations. She wouldn’t do things with risks but uncertain outcomes. If so, the miscarriage was merely a crime Xia Yan pinned on Hong Ying. But how did Xia Yan’s child actually die in the previous life?
Though thinking this, Jiang Ruan still smiled at Hong Ying: “Concubine’s words are truly frightening. With so many people protecting Madam’s unborn child in the residence, what is there for Concubine to fear? Ruan thinks Concubine’s urgent matter isn’t studying Madam’s unborn child, but rather having a child yourself for support.”
An unmarried young lady discussing childbearing matters with a residence concubine so openly, showing no embarrassment as if it were completely natural. Though Hong Ying was shocked, she still couldn’t help blushing: “Miss, it’s not that this concubine doesn’t want children, but… but…”
Girls from brothels had to take certain medicines from childhood. These medicines could make women’s skin fair and smooth while making their bodies emit exotic fragrances—naturally methods for attracting patrons. However, such medicines had side effects—they would ruin fertility.
When Hong Ying first entered the residence, she indeed only wanted to win Jiang Quan’s favor and affection. She had succeeded, but the longer she stayed in the residence, the stronger her desire for a child became. Men’s affections might not last, but with a child, especially a son, her status would rise significantly. She didn’t expect to defeat Xia Yan immediately since Xia Yan had the Xia family’s support, but making Jiang Quan consider them equals would be good.
Every time Jiang Quan spent the night in her courtyard, Xia Yan would send Nanny Li with contraceptive soup to watch her drink it. Each time after Nanny Li left, she would stick her fingers down her throat to force herself to vomit up all the soup. Even so, having taken too many medicines in the brothel when young, she had secretly consulted doctors who said her chances of conceiving were very small.
Being unable to conceive was a thorn in her heart. Just when Xia Yan became pregnant at this crucial moment, was she to see everything she had painstakingly gained return to nothing? She was unwilling.
But what could be done? She simply couldn’t conceive.
Jiang Ruan leisurely picked up her tea for a sip and said coolly: “How could you not conceive? In this world, no woman is incapable of bearing children.”
Hong Ying was startled and looked up at Jiang Ruan: “What does Miss mean?”
Jiang Ruan looked at her pityingly: “What can be done? Fifth Concubine, Ruan sympathizes with you too. But to live safely in this residence, you must first have a child. Do you understand? If you want a child, you will definitely have one.”
Hong Ying was stunned for a moment before digesting the meaning in Jiang Ruan’s words. She was immediately shocked, looking at the woman before her as if not recognizing her: “Miss…”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “After all, it’s Concubine’s life—Ruan has no right to interfere.”
Hong Ying’s heart was in complete chaos. The meaning in Jiang Ruan’s words vaguely revealed one idea: substitution!
If this succeeded, her position in the residence would indeed rise another level. But the risks were enormous—once discovered, it would be the great crime of confusing clan bloodlines, punishable by beating to death. She was shocked that Jiang Ruan could speak of this so casually, finding it incredible. Jiang Ruan was also a daughter of the Jiang residence—how could she actively propose using someone else’s bloodline to inherit the Jiang residence’s position?
Had she ever considered herself part of the Jiang family?
In her unsettled state, Hong Ying couldn’t think clearly. Though Jiang Ruan’s words were frightening, they inexplicably moved her. But she couldn’t make such a decision immediately and could only say hurriedly: “Miss’s words… this concubine has heard them. This concubine just remembered some matters to attend to, so I won’t disturb you further.”
Jiang Ruan didn’t try to keep her, smiling: “Concubine should consider carefully—no need to rush, just… as long as it’s before Mother encounters an accident.”
Hearing this, Hong Ying’s heart jumped again. She couldn’t stay any longer and hurriedly left with her maid.
Lian Qiao watched her flee in panic and entered the room: “Why was Fifth Concubine so frightened?”
Bai Zhi stood silently to one side without speaking. Lian Qiao touched her nose: “She must have been scared by Miss’s magnificent presence.”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. Lu Zhu happened to push open the door and enter, her face showing excitement and fear. She turned to lock the door tightly, then closed the windows and drew the curtains before approaching Jiang Ruan.
The others were puzzled by her behavior. Lu Zhu bent down and whispered: “Miss asked this servant to investigate Su Xin Courtyard—this servant has found out everything.”
Jiang Ruan looked at her: “Looking like this, there must be something wrong. What is it?”
“Nothing too wrong,” Lu Zhu smiled mysteriously. “This servant only heard from the kitchen that Second Miss lived poorly at the family temple and her health is quite weak. These days, her maids Butterfly and Dragonfly have the kitchen prepare chickens daily, personally making chicken soup for Second Miss to nourish her health.”
“What’s strange about that?” Lian Qiao asked.
Lu Zhu shook her head: “This servant remembers Second Miss always hated chicken soup most. Moreover, if Second Miss truly lived so poorly at the family temple as they say, she must have been very devout. But being so devout, yet constantly killing animals for meat upon returning home—wouldn’t that be… breaking her vows?”
Jiang Ruan laughed appreciatively, giving Lu Zhu an approving glance. Lu Zhu’s skills in observation had grown considerably—thinking of so much was quite remarkable.
Seeing Jiang Ruan’s expression, Lu Zhu was pleased and continued: “This servant found it odd and paid more attention, discovering it was indeed suspicious. Guess what?”
Lu Zhu was treating this place like a storytelling hall. Lian Qiao couldn’t wait and urged: “What exactly happened?”
“Butterfly and Dragonfly said they were making chicken soup, but besides chickens, they had nothing else. To make nourishing soup, you’d need angelica root and red dates at least—surely not just throwing in a whole chicken?” Lu Zhu said. “This servant gave a cleaning maid in Su Xin Courtyard two taels of silver to let this servant investigate. This servant brought the gatekeeper’s dog Xiao Huang, who has a keen nose. We actually found dead chickens buried under rose bushes in Su Xin Courtyard—all drained of blood with feathers scattered everywhere.” Lu Zhu seemed disturbed: “Those wounds were gruesome—this servant was terrified. We quickly reburied the dead chickens and hurried back.”
Neither Lian Qiao nor Bai Zhi spoke, both looking grave. After a while, Lian Qiao asked: “Miss, could Second Miss be possessed by ghosts? Otherwise, how could she practice such dark arts?”
“Miss, since Second Miss is so sinister now, should we go live in the palace for a while? Second Miss wouldn’t dare follow us to the Empress Dowager,” Bai Zhi also suggested.
Jiang Ruan looked at Lu Zhu: “When you saw those dead chickens, were their bodies cut with knives to drain the blood?”
“No,” Lu Zhu frowned. “When this servant was young and mischievous, a neighbor’s hen pecked me, so I chased it and bit it. This servant saw those wounds clearly—they weren’t knife wounds or animal bites, but looked like human bite marks.”
Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao gasped.
Jiang Ruan lowered her head in thought.
Since meeting Jiang Susu at the Jiang residence entrance days ago, Jiang Ruan had felt something very wrong with her. Though she couldn’t specify what, Jiang Susu seemed like a different person entirely, always carrying an eerie feeling. These days, Jiang Susu hadn’t left Su Xin Courtyard and rarely visited Xia Yan. She stayed in her courtyard all day doing unknown things—this was too abnormal. Jiang Ruan had Lu Zhu investigate but hadn’t expected such results. It was truly incomprehensible.
“This servant also thinks Second Miss is very sinister,” Lu Zhu said. “That day this servant saw clearly—Second Miss’s facial scars were completely gone. Having suffered such severe injuries initially, now showing no trace—if not a demon, how could she become like this?”
“There are no demons or ghosts in this world.” Jiang Ruan said coolly. Even if there were, she wouldn’t fear them—she herself had died once. If others knew, wouldn’t she be a demon in their eyes? But Jiang Susu’s abnormality gave her an ominous feeling, forcing her to be vigilant.
But she couldn’t help much with this matter herself. After pondering, she suddenly said: “Lu Zhu, prepare a carriage—I’m going out immediately.”
“Where is Miss going?” Bai Zhi asked curiously.
“East Wind Tower.”
…
In the Imperial Study
The usually seemingly muddled emperor frowned tightly, staring at the memorial before him as if encountering an extremely troublesome matter. After a long while, he asked: “According to you, there are already Southern Border people’s collaborators in the palace.”
The black-clothed young man standing before the desk said coolly: “Yes.”
“These years, I’ve been too careless.” The emperor suppressed deep anger: “I haven’t settled accounts with them yet, but they’ve set their sights on me first. Simply courting death!”
“Not only that,” Xiao Shao said, “Tianjin Kingdom’s sudden military action is also closely related to that side.”
“Those Southern Border barbarians are fierce, cunning, and cruel. I truly didn’t expect them to have such scheming—convincing Tianjin Kingdom means they must have promised benefits. A Shao, you stay in the capital and thoroughly investigate the collaborator matter. Even if I have to turn the entire capital upside down, I will find that person!”
Xiao Shao nodded.
The emperor’s gaze fell on him and he suddenly sighed: “These three years you’ve faced death repeatedly in the Miao borderlands—I know your thoughts. But look now,” the emperor’s brow showed worry, “everyone in this palace wishes I would die soon. The intentions of the Eighth and Fifth Princes—I see them more clearly than they do. The Crown Prince is what he is—he can be protected temporarily but not forever. As for the court officials, in my eyes they’re just clowns—do they think I don’t know their thoughts? A Shao, you…”
“Your Majesty,” Xiao Shao interrupted, “if there’s nothing else, this subject will take leave.”
If anyone passed by here, they would be surprised by the relationship between the emperor and Prince Jinying. The emperor’s voice paused, then he wearily waved his hand: “Forget it, you may withdraw.”
Xiao Shao reached the door when the emperor’s voice came from behind: “You’re now at the age for marriage. If you fancy any family’s daughter, tell me—I’ll grant you marriage.”
The black-clothed figure didn’t pause, unhesitatingly leaving the imperial study, leaving only the emperor’s sigh.
…
Though East Wind Tower was the capital’s largest treasure shop, few people visited. Though filled with dazzling items, the prices were too expensive—everything was a rare treasure. Unless one was from an extremely wealthy noble family, there wasn’t money to buy anything here.
Today, however, a carriage stopped directly at East Wind Tower’s entrance.
Passing common people curiously looked, wanting to see which family’s young master or miss this was. They saw a stunningly beautiful young lady in red descending from the carriage. Everyone immediately understood—this was the currently prominent Princess Hong’an. Not only was Princess Hong’an born beautiful, she now greatly favored by the Empress Dowager with countless rewards—naturally she could visit East Wind Tower.
After envying for a while, they saw the red-dressed young lady enter with two maids.
As soon as Jiang Ruan entered, a beautiful attendant approached: “Miss, are you looking at jewelry?”
Jiang Ruan glanced at her: “I want to see Ye Feng.”
The attendant was startled and shook her head: “Miss, did you come to the wrong place?”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, reaching into her sleeve to show something to the attendant: “Can I now?”
When the attendant clearly saw what was in Jiang Ruan’s sleeve, her expression immediately changed as she said respectfully: “Miss, please follow this servant.”
Jiang Ruan put Xiao Shao’s gifted dagger back in her sleeve, thinking it was indeed useful.
Walking to the second floor weapon shop, the attendant pressed on a blue porcelain lion head on the wall. A small door opened, revealing an elegant room. The attendant bowed: “Miss, please enter. Chief Ye is inside.”
As soon as Jiang Ruan stepped in, she heard an impatient voice: “Always so troublesome—does Master really plan to confine me for life? Can’t I go apologize to Miss Jiang?”
Jiang Ruan paused and smiled: “Apologize for what?”
Ye Feng turned around impatiently: “Of course for the trea—” The rest of his words stuck in his throat as he stared with mouth agape: “M-M-Miss Jiang?”
Jiang Ruan sat in the chair across from him: “I have urgent business—I need to see your master.”