Xiao Shao had just arrived when he saw Liu Min tightly gripping Jiang Ruan’s hand and Jiang Ruan frowning. A flash of displeasure quickly crossed his heart.
The two people in confrontation turned around. Though Liu Min was surprised to see Xiao Shao, he didn’t release his grip. Seeing this, Xiao Shao’s eyes turned cold as he strode forward, grasped Liu Min’s hand, and pulled it away from Jiang Ruan’s arm.
Xiao Shao was a martial artist, while Liu Min was merely a weak scholar with no strength to even tie up a chicken. Immediately, he felt piercing pain where Xiao Shao had gripped him, his face turning somewhat pale.
“Are you alright?” Xiao Shao turned his head, but this question was directed at Jiang Ruan.
Jiang Ruan shook her head, “I’m fine.”
“Prince Xiao, the Princess and I were talking!” Liu Min said somewhat angrily, speaking up to remind him. Perhaps because Xiao Shao’s reputation as a “rebellious subject and traitor” in court was too obvious, Liu Min, as an upright minister, instinctively disliked Xiao Shao. Now seeing Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao’s familiar expressions, his brows knitted into a tight knot. How could she get entangled with a rebellious subject and traitor?
Xiao Shao was also sizing up Liu Min—this new favorite before the Emperor who had risen to become the top scholar three years ago, climbing step by step in court until finally reaching first rank. Even veteran ministers in court now regarded Liu Min with some wariness. Xiao Shao naturally also knew that three years ago Jiang Ruan had corresponded with Liu Min, with the palace examination questions clearly visible. Setting aside how Jiang Ruan knew the examination questions, just the reason for helping Liu Min—the Imperial Guards had investigated frantically but couldn’t uncover it.
However, since Liu Min achieved first place, Jiang Ruan had never had any connection with him again. Now the two were pulling and tugging in the imperial garden, and Liu Min looked at Jiang Ruan with eyes full of fervor and excitement—where was his usual scholarly detachment? Xiao Shao frowned slightly and said coolly, “You’re finished talking now.”
The coldness in his eyes made Liu Min’s heart somewhat chill.
Lu Zhu looked at Liu Min, then at Xiao Shao, blinking as she thought how popular their young lady was. Both Prince Xiao and Tutor Liu were fine candidates for son-in-law. If she had to choose one, Lu Zhu thought Prince Xiao was better—because he was more handsome and imposing! Tutor Liu was good enough, but he was a scholar, and wasn’t there a saying: “Righteous people are often butchers, while heartless ones are usually scholars.” Of course, Prince Xiao wasn’t a butcher either—he was Da Jin Dynasty’s most noble young prince.
Jiang Ruan currently didn’t want any entanglement with Liu Min. If someone with ulterior motives saw them, it would inevitably provide material for gossip. Now that Liu Min knew she was that person from before, given this tutor’s character, he probably wouldn’t stand by idly if anything happened in the future. Thinking of this, Jiang Ruan smiled at Liu Min, “If Tutor has nothing else today, I have some matters I’d like to discuss with Prince Xiao.”
Such familiar tone made Xiao Shao’s eyes flash with amusement, while Liu Min’s face darkened. But he was, after all, an aloof minister who never stooped to entangle with others. Though somewhat displeased in his heart, he still showed Jiang Ruan some respect. He just looked deeply at Jiang Ruan once, cupped his hands and said, “Princess, until we meet again.”
With that, he nodded at Xiao Shao and left directly.
He hadn’t performed the superior-to-subordinate courtesy to Xiao Shao, but the courtesy between equals, showing that Liu Min was convinced in his heart that Xiao Shao was a rebellious subject and traitor, and quite looked down on him.
Xiao Shao coldly watched Liu Min depart. Jiang Ruan looked up at him, “How did you come here?”
Only then did Xiao Shao withdraw his gaze, saying, “I heard you encountered Xuan Xin?”
It was probably Tianzhu’s “small report” to Xiao Shao. Jiang Ruan had no intention of hiding it from him, so she nodded, “Yes.”
Xiao Shao raised an eyebrow. What kind of person was Xuan Xin—he coveted any woman in the palace with some beauty. Since Jiang Ruan was quite attractive, how could Xuan Xin let her go?
Jiang Ruan naturally didn’t know that her stunning beauty only earned the assessment of “quite attractive” in Xiao Shao’s eyes. If she knew, she would definitely sneer. Xiao Shao himself was devastatingly beautiful like a demon, so ordinary mortal beauty naturally meant nothing in his eyes.
Xiao Shao asked, “What plans do you have now?”
“What plans?” Jiang Ruan looked at him in bewilderment.
“You’ve come of age and are a princess personally enfeoffed by the Empress Dowager. Jiang Xinzhi has outstanding military achievements, and people in the palace are eyeing you like tigers. Your marriage will inevitably be used as material for schemes,” Xiao Shao reminded her.
Indeed, since Jiang Ruan returned to the capital, she had encountered all sorts of people. Now she had become a sought-after prize.
“Does Prince Xiao think I would truly be moved?” Jiang Ruan said, “As you said, I can’t avoid those people fast enough. I haven’t thought about marriage.” Marriage, spending a lifetime with a stranger? In this life, she didn’t know if she still had that confidence, fearing she might end up with the same tragic fate as in her previous life.
Xiao Shao noticed a flash of coldness in Jiang Ruan’s eyes and paused slightly in his heart. Suddenly he had an impulse to ask, “What do you think of me?” As soon as this thought emerged, Xiao Shao himself was baffled. He acted steadily and calmly, usually with a cold and aloof temperament, but was completely blank when it came to emotions. Naturally not understanding that strange feeling in his heart toward Jiang Ruan, he stood there somewhat dazed like a neighboring youth.
Seeing Xiao Shao spacing out, Jiang Ruan asked, “What’s wrong with you?”
Xiao Shao came to his senses and shook his head, “Nothing.” Looking at her face, “Have you used the healing medicine?”
Since meeting the Empress Dowager, Jiang Ruan had begun using the ointment Xiao Shao gave her. That ointment was indeed a rare miraculous medicine—after using it, she felt cool and refreshing, and not a trace of scarring could be seen. Though she used it sparingly in front of Empress Dowager Yide, even so, now not a bit could be detected.
“I used it. It’s good medicine,” Jiang Ruan smiled.
Xiao Shao pressed his lips together, “I’ll send you more in the future.” That healing medicine was personally prepared by his master, the Eight Divergence Sage—priceless and hard to obtain, yet used to treat slap marks on Jiang Ruan’s face. If the Eight Divergence Sage knew, he would certainly scold him for being unfilial and wasteful.
Jiang Ruan felt the atmosphere was somewhat strange and couldn’t help looking up at Xiao Shao, just as he was looking down at her. Though she was actually quite tall, she still only reached Xiao Shao’s chest, making her appear delicate and adorable in comparison. Xiao Shao’s jet-black eyes sparkled like stars, seeming to contain some unusual emotion. Jiang Ruan only glanced once before looking away, her heart beating wildly beyond her control.
She cursed silently in her heart: Damned demon. But she didn’t realize her slightly uncomfortable movements fell into Xiao Shao’s eyes, making the corners of his lips curve slightly.
Lu Zhu followed far behind the two, anxious beyond measure. Prince Xiao was a man of few words, and though their young lady appeared gentle on the surface, her nature was solitary and cold. If they wanted to be together, who knew how long they would dawdle? As such a clever and adorable personal maid, she naturally had to find ways to make her young lady happy. Lu Zhu secretly clenched her fist, making a decision—in a few days she must find an opportunity. Who said only matchmakers could arrange marriages? Such a clever maid as herself could do it too.
…
After claiming illness and not attending court for several days, Jiang Quan finally stepped out of the Jiang residence gates again.
Not to mention the mocking looks from colleagues when attending court, even after court ended, people still pointed fingers at him from behind. Jiang Quan had always prided himself on being from a scholarly family, upright and incorruptible, but now he had slapped his own face. When had he ever been in such a sorry state? All the way he kept urging the driver to hurry back to the residence.
The carriage rumbled along. After traveling for an unknown time, it suddenly stopped. Jiang Quan thought they had reached the residence and wondered why today’s journey seemed so short. When he lifted the carriage curtain, he was stunned. It wasn’t his familiar residence, but a desolate countryside.
“Driver, driver!” Jiang Quan shouted frantically, “What place is this!”
But no matter how long he called, no one answered. Jiang Quan’s heart went cold with an ominous premonition. He jumped down from the carriage and was shocked to discover that the person sitting on the horse wasn’t his usual driver, but a stranger’s face.
Jiang Quan forcibly suppressed the fear in his heart and sternly demanded, “Who are you?”
The man just sneered and clapped his hands. Wind sounds came through the air, and a person suddenly appeared before them—a woman.
Both had unfamiliar faces. Jiang Quan surveyed the surroundings—this place was desolate and uninhabited. Even if he called for help, no one would hear. He calmed down and said, “What do you two want to do? If you seek money, we can discuss it properly.”
“Minister Jiang has such arrogance,” the woman giggled, “But we don’t seek money.”
If not money, then they sought his life. Jiang Quan’s forehead broke out in large beads of cold sweat. He didn’t know whom he had offended. He could only put on a calm appearance and say, “Let’s talk nicely… Murdering a court official is a grave crime…”
Both pairs of eyes simultaneously flashed with mockery. This worthless piece of trash had hit their young lady? No wonder their young master was so angry. The man’s face showed a smile. Before Jiang Quan could speak, he felt his legs go weak—a small stone struck his kneecap, and his whole body collapsed sideways.
“Tsk, such soft bones,” Jin Er said with disgust, looking at the woman beside him, “Your turn.”
Jin San cracked her knuckles and slowly approached Jiang Quan. Since women were generally more soft-hearted than men, Jiang Quan quickly begged for mercy, “Miss, miss, spare my life! I can give you money. Who sent you to kill me?”
“Why is Minister Jiang so anxious? I’m not here to take your life,” Jin San smiled charmingly, “I just find you somewhat displeasing. A few days ago I heard Minister Jiang severely beat the Jiang family’s legitimate daughter because of your wife who cuckolded you. We people of the martial world despise evil most, and we feel very indignant for that young lady.” Seeing Jiang Quan still hadn’t reacted, Jin San’s expression changed, “Let us seek justice for her!”
“Slap slap slap slap slap”—more than ten crisp slapping sounds rang out in the wilderness, truly making one’s ears ring. After finishing, Jin San blew on her hand, “That really hurt.”
People trained by the Imperial Guards couldn’t be underestimated. Though Jin San was a weak woman, her strikes were much heavier than Jiang Quan’s that day. Each blow carried full force, beating Jiang Quan until he saw stars and quickly became pig-headed. Perhaps Jin San struck too hard—her nails scratched across Jiang Quan’s face, leaving nail marks.
Jin San giggled, “Oops, accident.”
Jiang Quan wanted to vomit blood in his heart. Out of nowhere, he suffered such disaster! All said and done, it was Jiang Ruan again—this Jiang Ruan was born to curse him! His current predicament was all thanks to Jiang Ruan! This wasn’t a daughter—she was clearly an enemy, a debt collector!
Jiang Quan regarded Jiang Ruan as a thorn in his side, never thinking about what he had done to Jiang Ruan that resembled a father’s actions. There are such people in the world who never recognize their own mistakes, only feeling that everyone else owes them.
After Jin Er and Jin San vented their anger for Jiang Ruan, they didn’t want to look at Jiang Quan anymore. They left him abandoned in the wilderness and departed gracefully. For Jiang Quan to find his way back to the Jiang residence would require considerable effort.
The two chatted as they walked. Jin San said, “Young Master told us to repay in kind. How was this repayment?”
“Not bad, with lots of extras,” Jin Er replied, “Working so hard, we’ll surely gain face before the young lady in the future.”
…
That day, Jiang Quan finally returned to the Jiang residence in broad daylight, driving the carriage himself while bearing more than ten slap marks. Under the watchful eyes of the entire capital, everyone saw the sorry state of this minister known for scholarly integrity. Some speculated he might have been beaten by a brothel girl—the slap marks on his face didn’t look like a man’s handprints, and there were traces of women’s nails.
For a time, all the storytelling houses in the capital became lively again. Jiang Quan’s incident was turned into stories by storytellers and told daily in taverns, attracting quite an audience. Exciting and interesting, soon everyone in the capital knew about it.
Poor Jiang Quan—on his first day returning to court after feigning illness, this happened. This time he truly was bedridden and submitted a memorial to the Emperor. Feeling his face had no glory left, while cursing Jiang Ruan thoroughly, he began to suspect—claiming to be martial world people seemed somewhat forced. Who exactly would back Jiang Ruan? Could it be the Empress Dowager? Or people from the General’s residence? However, neither the Empress Dowager nor General Zhao Guang from the General’s residence were people Jiang Quan could provoke. So he could only temporarily swallow this humiliation, secretly keeping this matter in his heart.
Meanwhile, Jiang Ruan stayed beside the Empress Dowager. One day, Lu Zhu heard young eunuchs in the palace discussing this matter. After inquiring, she didn’t even bother drinking tea before telling Jiang Ruan the news. Lu Zhu was naturally relieved—back then, these personal maids had all felt indignant for Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan pondered slightly. Though Empress Dowager Yide might stand up for her somewhat, she wouldn’t use such undignified methods. It looked like the General’s residence’s handiwork, but women’s nail marks? Jiang Ruan shook her head, then thought of someone.
If it was Xiao Shao, it would make some sense. The Imperial Guards always acted as they pleased, sometimes not caring about methods. Moreover, this feeling of repaying in kind, eye for eye, seemed like someone deliberately wanted to vent anger for her.
It must be said, Xiao Shao’s move was quite satisfying. She smiled slightly.
At Prince Jinying’s residence, Jin Yi came to report to Xiao Shao about Jiang Quan’s matter. Xiao Shao was reading a letter at his desk—correspondence sent by fast horse from the southern border. Without looking up, Xiao Shao said coolly, “Well done. Go collect your reward.”
“Master, shouldn’t we let the Princess know this was your doing? Otherwise the Princess won’t know you did this,” Jin Yi felt indignant for his master. How could the path of pursuing a wife let such accomplishments be given to others? Though the Imperial Guards normally didn’t care about merit, when it came to winning a beauty’s heart, naturally one should spare no effort in showing attentiveness.
“No need,” Xiao Shao’s gaze remained fixed on the letter. He did this only to punish Jiang Quan. As for how to deal with Jiang Quan ultimately, that still had to be Jiang Ruan’s decision. It was just a small effort—he hadn’t planned to let Jiang Ruan know, though she might not be unable to guess.
Jin Yi grumbled inwardly: With Master being so stuffy, be careful that one day the young lady gets stolen by someone else and you have nowhere to cry.
…
In Simeng Palace, Consort Chen was drinking wine.
Grape wine imported from Persia by sea, served in a translucent white jade cup, radiated beautiful purple light like finest purple gemstones.
Consort Chen’s drunken eyes were half-closed, seeming somewhat tired. Her body became increasingly boneless, sinking into the soft couch, gentle as a dream from Jiangnan water towns. The corners of her lips curved slightly upward, her voice melodious, but her tone carried a kind of sober coldness.
“You say you saw Jiang Ruan and Liu Min pulling and tugging in the imperial garden, and Xiao Shao helped her out of the situation?” Consort Chen asked.
The palace maid lowered her head, “In response to Your Ladyship, exactly so.”
“Crack”—the white jade cup containing fine wine was suddenly smashed to the ground. The finest jade shattered into pieces, still radiating beautiful luster despite being broken, just like Consort Chen’s current shattered expression.
If hearing about some connection between Jiang Ruan and Liu Min only made Consort Chen surprised, hearing about Xiao Shao protecting Jiang Ruan felt like something viciously clawing at her heart, making her extremely angry and resentful.
If there was anything in the palace that could catch Consort Chen’s eye, besides Eighth Prince Xuan Li, it was Xiao Shao. Consort Chen had entered the palace in her early years when the Emperor already possessed three thousand beauties. She was beautiful and gentle, a delicate and understanding flower, which earned her current position. But in fact, every time she approached the Emperor, she felt faintly nauseous.
Xiao Shao was different—he was like a perfect dream in every woman’s heart: clean, cool, elegant, noble. Even though Xiao Shao was about the same age as Xuan Li, it didn’t prevent Consort Chen from having those secret and dirty thoughts about him. She couldn’t remember when it started—only that when she was still a young woman, Xiao Shao was a cool youth. Now she remained as charming as ever, while Xiao Shao had become a heartbreakingly handsome man.
She thought if possible, being able to see this young man for a lifetime wouldn’t be bad. Xiao Shao was cold by nature and had never had any entanglements with women. She never expected to learn that Xiao Shao had a close relationship with Jiang Ruan—how could this not be like a bolt from the blue, immediately making Consort Chen consumed with jealousy and hatred?
It was as if the beautiful dream of her girlhood was about to leave her forever. If before she had only felt competitive provocation toward Jiang Ruan, from this moment on, Consort Chen made a firm resolution: if she didn’t eliminate Jiang Ruan, she vowed not to be human!
That usually gentle face was now tightly contorted, her expression terrifying to behold.