Jiang Ruan’s gaze froze, but just at that moment, footsteps seemed to approach from outside. Xiao Shao’s expression shifted as he grabbed Jiang Ruan’s arm and pulled her behind the door of the small side room.
It was Butterfly who entered. After a while, she came back out carrying the dead chicken. She dug a pit under the peach tree in the courtyard and buried the dead chicken. Looking at her practiced movements, this clearly wasn’t the first time she had done this.
Just as Jiang Ruan was about to move, her hair ornament accidentally tangled with the collar of Xiao Shao’s chest. Only then did she realize how close they were standing. Xiao Shao’s bamboo fragrance drifted over faintly, his clothing cold yet strangely reassuring.
After Butterfly left, the light in the room went out. It seemed that after completing this task, she could sleep soundly. When there were no more sounds from the courtyard, Xiao Shao carried Jiang Ruan back to Ruan Residence just as he had before.
Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi had been waiting anxiously in the room. Only after seeing the two return safely did they breathe a sigh of relief. Seeing that Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan had things to discuss, they withdrew and closed the door, keeping watch.
Xiao Shao sat down at the table. Jiang Ruan poured him a cup of cold tea and asked, “You saw clearly just now. She… is she practicing secret arts?”
“Yes.” Xiao Shao accepted the tea but didn’t drink it, his gaze falling on the tea leaves floating in the cup. “She’s been practicing for quite a long time. In a while longer, she won’t even need chicken blood.”
Jiang Ruan frowned. Three years ago, Jiang Susu had gone to the family temple. How could she be connected to Southern Borderlands secret arts? She asked, “How exactly did these Southern Borderlands secret arts reach the Central Plains?”
Xiao Shao raised an eyebrow. “Someone is secretly helping Jiang Susu.”
“Helping or using?” Jiang Ruan asked.
Xiao Shao shook his head. “Until we find the person, everything is uncertain.”
Jiang Ruan lowered her head.
Xiao Shao looked at her seriously. From this angle, he could see Jiang Ruan’s slender neck. Perhaps the lamplight made her appear softer, or perhaps her attitude had been gentle throughout the evening, lacking her usual aloofness. Her current furrowed brow seemed like an expression that shouldn’t appear on her face, making one want to help her with something.
So before Xiao Shao had figured out what he was truly thinking, he heard his own cool voice saying, “The Jiang Manor is no longer safe. I’ll arrange for someone to protect you.”
Jiang Ruan was slightly stunned. “That’s not necessary.”
“Jiang Susu has received Southern Borderlands secret arts. The Southern Borderlands people won’t just let this go. I suspect they’re somewhere nearby, and Jiang Susu will eventually be useful to them. If there are Southern Borderlands people in the Jiang Manor, your situation will be very dangerous.” Xiao Shao thought for a moment. “I’ll send a woman over.”
Jiang Ruan looked up at him. The youth before her was cool and handsome, yet thoughtful in every way. Undeniably, having someone skilled in martial arts for protection was tempting. If there were anything useful available, it should be put to full use. She thought for a moment: “Thank you.”
Xiao Shao nodded. “I’ll return first and send someone over tomorrow.”
Jiang Ruan nodded. Xiao Shao glanced at her, and in the next second, he leaped out the window, disappearing into the night in the blink of an eye.
Calling Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi back in, both maids were somewhat amazed: “How did Prince Xiao disappear in the blink of an eye? We were watching the door closely just now, but no one came through.”
Jiang Ruan shook her head. Xiao Shao had thoroughly mapped out the Jiang Manor. To be such an elegant rooftop gentleman—in all of the Great Jin Dynasty, he was probably the only one. Thinking of the person Xiao Shao would send tomorrow, she felt quite curious. Seeing the late hour, Lian Qiao quickly said, “Miss, please rest now. You can sleep in tomorrow.” She then helped Jiang Ruan to bed, blew out the lamp, and withdrew.
…
Having slept too late the previous night, Jiang Ruan didn’t wake until the sun was high on the second day. When Lian Qiao brought water to attend to her washing, she seemed to want to say something but hesitated. Seeing her expression, Jiang Ruan said, “Why hold back? If there’s something, just say it.”
Lian Qiao blinked. “Miss, Fifth Aunt has joyous news?”
“So soon?” Jiang Ruan wasn’t particularly surprised and smiled. “She certainly thinks clearly.”
“Miss already knew Fifth Aunt would act so quickly?” Lian Qiao asked in amazement.
“She’s not stupid. The longer she waits, the greater her risk becomes,” Jiang Ruan said indifferently.
Hong Ying was the most clever person, analyzing the pros and cons most thoroughly. Now that Xia Yan was pregnant, she was the most important legitimate mistress in the Jiang Manor. No matter how much Jiang Quan doted on her, if Xia Yan used the manor’s future legitimate young master as leverage, Hong Ying would still face certain death. One could see this from Hong Ying’s fate in the previous life. Once Jiang Ruan gave her a hint in this life, Hong Ying immediately understood. If Xia Yan truly acted against her, but Hong Ying also had a child in her belly, then for the child’s sake, Jiang Quan wouldn’t act rashly. The child was Xia Yan’s passport and Hong Ying’s life-saving charm.
She just wondered what expression Xia Yan would have upon learning that Hong Ying was pregnant.
In Yanhua Courtyard
Xia Yan suddenly smashed the cup in front of her: “Are you certain? She truly has a joyous pulse?”
The middle-aged man standing before Xia Yan wore brown cloth and carried a medicine box. “I have already checked her pulse. It is indeed a joyous pulse without doubt.”
“That wretch! How could she even conceive!” Xia Yan flew into a rage. Hong Ying had drunk contraceptive medicine under the watchful eye of her trusted Nanny Li, yet now news suddenly came that she was pregnant. This meant the contraceptive medicine definitely hadn’t been consumed by Hong Ying. Now it was too late to try any tricks. Her gaze fell on the physician before her, and she suddenly had an idea: “Doctor, do you know any method to cause someone to miscarry unknowingly?”
The physician had long treated wives and young ladies in large mansions, so he naturally understood such matters well. He said quietly, “There are such methods, but…”
“Then I must trouble the doctor.” Xia Yan touched the golden hairpin on her head. “After the matter is accomplished, this madam will certainly reward you generously.”
The physician’s expression brightened. Seeing this, Xia Yan’s eyes flashed with vicious intent. What was there to celebrate about just becoming pregnant? Even those noble consorts in the palace couldn’t guarantee their children would grow up safely, let alone an unborn seed. To bear children, a courtesan-born concubine would need to see if she had that good fortune.
…
If anyone in the manor was happiest, it would be Jiang Quan and Madam Jiang. However, Madam Jiang was increasingly frail and much weaker than before. She was rarely lucid and would tire after speaking briefly. Jiang Quan was quite happy. Though he had four daughters, he only had Jiang Xinzhi and Jiang Chao as sons. He had never regarded Jiang Xinzhi as a son. No matter how high an official position Jiang Xinzhi held or how successful he was at court, he couldn’t be controlled by Jiang Quan. Though Jiang Chao currently worked under Xuan Li, his previous failure in the imperial examinations and the major trouble he caused at Baihua Tower, followed by the incident with the Prime Minister’s manor that made him the laughingstock of the entire capital, had unconsciously disappointed Jiang Quan greatly.
Who knew that past the age of forty, Xia Yan would become pregnant, which already brought him great joy as he hoped to add a young son to the Jiang Manor. Then Hong Ying also became pregnant at this time, which delighted him immensely. Though Hong Ying came from a brothel, she was gentle and understanding, possessing charm and pride that Xia Yan lacked. If she could bear a son as talented as herself, even if he were a concubine-born son, he would treasure him. Xia Yan was dignified, Hong Ying was proud and aloof. With a beautiful wife and lovely concubine both expecting, children around him, and a successful career, what could be more wonderful in life?
Jiang Quan indulged in such beautiful dreams, unaware that his beloved concubine had just swallowed a dose of medicine in her room. The maid Ping’er asked, “Aunt, do you need more water?”
Hong Ying shook her head. She had spent a large sum to obtain this medicine. Once consumed and brewed, the pulse would show signs of a slippery pulse that physicians would mistake for a joyous pulse when they came to examine her. Having now fooled the manor’s physician and the one Xia Yan brought showed no suspicion, she should be safe for a while.
She gradually relaxed, her gaze sweeping over the mountain of supplements on the shelf that Jiang Quan had sent, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face.
…
Jiang Ruan was just thinking about when to visit Hong Ying when she heard a young maid from the front gate hurriedly running to Lu Zhu: “Sister Lu Zhu, a young lady has come outside, kneeling at the manor gate. She definitely wants to see the eldest miss.”
Jiang Ruan came out and asked the maid, “Looking for me? Who is it?”
The maid shook her head. “I don’t know. She looks like an ordinary family’s daughter, fair and clean. She only says she wants to repay the young miss’s kindness but won’t say anything else.”
Jiang Ruan thought of Xiao Shao’s words from last night. After thinking, she said, “Good, I’ll go see.”
Upon reaching the manor gate, she saw a young woman kneeling straight at the Jiang Manor entrance. Judging by her dress, she appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen, wearing azure cloth clothing with her head lowered. Outside the Jiang Manor, a large crowd of onlookers had gathered, all wanting to see why this young woman had come.
Jiang Ruan approached and asked, “You’re looking for me?”
The young woman had been kneeling with her head down. Hearing Jiang Ruan’s voice unexpectedly, she looked up, revealing a delicate face that was indeed fair and clean. She said, “Tianzhu has come to fulfill the vow made that day, to serve by the young miss’s side from now on.”
Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond, waiting for her to continue.
Sure enough, the young woman continued on her own: “When Tianzhu’s parents were killed by bandits, in desperation I wanted to sell myself to bury my parents, but was harassed by villains. Fortunately, the young miss intervened to help, otherwise I would have been torn apart by those villains with not even bones remaining. The young miss gave Tianzhu silver to bury my parents, yet said nothing before leaving. The young miss is Tianzhu’s benefactor. Now that I’ve finally found my benefactor, Tianzhu wishes to serve by the young miss’s side forever.”
Hearing this, the crowd understood. It seemed this legitimate eldest daughter of the Jiang family had a compassionate heart, having saved someone and left without giving her name. Fortunately, the person she helped knew to repay a drop of kindness with a spring of gratitude, which was why she had searched so hard to come and repay the favor.
Jiang Ruan looked at the woman calling herself Tianzhu. Her face showed a mixture of gratitude and grief, truly appearing like someone coming to repay kindness—quite an excellent actress. However, Jiang Ruan felt somewhat speechless. What did Xiao Shao mean by creating such a background story for Tianzhu? Was he trying to praise her character and give her a good reputation among the people? This didn’t matter to her. She was used to being called a demoness, but compassionate heart truly didn’t suit her now.
“Since you want to wholeheartedly repay my kindness, even if I told you to return, you wouldn’t be willing.” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. “Then you may stay by my side.”
Such straightforwardness stunned the watching crowd. The woman was also somewhat incredulous. According to normal logic, ordinary women should say things like “I didn’t save you expecting repayment, you should go back,” and so forth. Jiang Ruan’s quick acceptance made all those prepared words useless.
However, the woman was only shocked for an instant before respectfully saying, “Please grant me a name, Miss.”
“No need. Your original name sounds quite nice. Tianzhu it is.”
Tianzhu nodded. “Yes, Miss.”
Jiang Ruan had the crowd outside disperse and brought this conveniently acquired maid back to the courtyard.
Upon returning to Ruan Residence, Jiang Ruan immediately entered the room. Lu Zhu was watering flowers outside and, seeing Tianzhu, blinked curiously while studying her. Tianzhu followed Jiang Ruan into the room. Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi withdrew and closed the door, leaving only Jiang Ruan and Tianzhu.
Jiang Ruan carefully examined the woman before her. Alone with her in the room, Tianzhu no longer appeared as gentle and humble as she had at the Jiang Manor gate. Her entire being emanated a cold aura, bearing one or two traces of Xiao Shao’s shadow.
She raised an eyebrow. “How long have you been with him?”
“Ten years.” Tianzhu didn’t lift her head, answering quickly. “My life was saved by my master, who sent me to protect the young miss.”
“Since your master has given you to me, from now on, your master is no longer Xiao Shao, but me. If one day I ask you to betray Xiao Shao, you must obey.” Jiang Ruan said indifferently.
Tianzhu was stunned and suddenly looked up.
She had been quite puzzled about who the girl was that could make the master punish Ye Feng for three whole years. Everyone in the Jinyiwei was curious. However, they could only hear rumors, and except for those specifically gathering information about Jiang Ruan, others weren’t qualified to know such details.
She had been brought back to the Jinyiwei by Xiao Shao when very young and was among the most outstanding batch. Though born female, her martial arts were truly formidable. When Xiao Shao wanted to send her to serve as personal protection for an official’s daughter, Tianzhu had initially felt somewhat unwilling. Jiang Ruan’s straightforward acceptance at the Jiang Manor gate had already surprised her, but these words now left Tianzhu even more incredulous.
She met Jiang Ruan’s gaze and couldn’t help but be slightly stunned.
What kind of gaze was that—absolutely cold and deep, as if carrying soul-penetrating scrutiny. They had learned to kill since childhood; only killers would have such cold eyes. But the Jiang family’s eldest daughter couldn’t possibly be an assassin.
Under Jiang Ruan’s cold stare, she actually felt somewhat uneasy and pressed her lips together without speaking.
“Old masters are hard to abandon—I understand.” Jiang Ruan said indifferently. “But Tianzhu, you must remember: as long as you cannot regard me as your master, I likewise cannot regard you as a confidant. Among my maids, you know martial arts, so perhaps I’ll only assign certain tasks to you. But until you regard me as your master, I won’t treat you with genuine sincerity.”
These words were so frank they made one’s heart turn cold—she wouldn’t even bother to deceive others. Tianzhu felt her heart tremble upon hearing them. After a long silence, she said, “Tianzhu understands.”
Jiang Ruan tapped the teacup before her. “These next few days, pay close attention to my second sister’s courtyard. Don’t neglect Madam’s courtyard either.”
Tianzhu lowered her head. “Yes.”
…
Days passed peacefully, as if everything was tranquil and serene. Jiang Quan was busy with official duties daily, and Jiang Chao rarely stayed at the manor. Xia Yan and Hong Ying stayed in their respective courtyards, peacefully nurturing their pregnancies without any conflicts. Jiang Susu had come out again, but compared to her former arrogance, she seemed much more gentle. Even Madam Jiang praised her, saying the temple visit had been beneficial—she was increasingly blessed and her temperament had become softer than before. This way, all the events from three years ago were blamed on the “possessing” evil spirits.
If anything noteworthy happened, it was Jiang Li and Jiang Dan’s coming-of-age ceremonies. Jiang Li’s ceremony was conducted quite lavishly, as Second Aunt had always been capable of making a fuss. Since Jiang Ruan and Jiang Susu’s coming-of-age ceremonies hadn’t been held in the capital, Jiang Li’s was conducted as grandly as a legitimate daughter’s would be.
People from Physician Left’s manor also came, saying nothing particular, and the wedding was set for late summer this year. Mainly because Physician Left was no longer young, and his manor had been pressing urgently. Besides, this marriage had been arranged three years ago, and neither family had objected.
Jiang Dan also appeared at Jiang Li’s coming-of-age ceremony that day, showing not the slightest trace of unwillingness and appearing extremely well-behaved, sincerely blessing Jiang Li’s transition to adulthood. This made people who had originally looked down on Jiang Dan feel that this concubine-born daughter actually had a very gentle nature and was quite magnanimous, temporarily earning much goodwill.
However, Jiang Dan’s coming-of-age ceremony couldn’t compare to Jiang Li’s. Because Xia Yan was now pregnant, Hong Ying was also pregnant, Madam Jiang was unwell, and First Aunt remained an invisible person year-round, hosting Jiang Dan’s ceremony fell to Second Aunt. No matter what, Second Aunt would never let Jiang Dan’s ceremony surpass Jiang Li’s, so it was conducted extremely perfunctorily that day. However, Jiang Dan appeared devout throughout, showing no displeasure on her face. Jiang Ruan watched with a smile. Jiang Dan’s thoughts were becoming deeper by the day. Jiang Quan thought she was well-behaved, but Jiang Ruan knew her fourth sister wasn’t so simple.
However, setting these matters aside, life was extremely comfortable, as if the Jiang Manor had always been such a harmonious and warm family, rather than a dangerous battleground.
When the peach blossoms in front of the gate had finished blooming, Xia Yan’s belly had become quite obvious, and she was experiencing pregnancy reactions with an excellent appetite, growing plumper overall. This time was more severe than when she was pregnant with Jiang Susu and her brother, perhaps due to her age and lack of attention to health maintenance, making her completely different from her previously elegant and refined appearance.
Though also pregnant, Hong Ying was becoming increasingly charming. Perhaps due to the pregnancy, her complexion had become much more radiant. Unlike Xia Yan, though she was also beginning to show, she kept herself very neat daily. Compared to her former proud aloofness, pregnancy had given her some feminine allure, making her increasingly radiant.
With a somewhat plump wife on one side and an increasingly beautiful concubine on the other, though Jiang Quan usually wasn’t one to indulge in beauty, men ultimately preferred fresh and beautiful things. Moreover, Xia Yan had already borne him Jiang Susu and Jiang Chao, while Hong Ying was carrying his first child. Though Jiang Quan also arranged careful care for Xia Yan, he visited Jiang Susu’s courtyard more frequently.