Palace life passed leisurely each day. With Empress Dowager Yide’s backing, the eunuchs and palace maids showed Jiang Ruan great respect. Even some consorts occasionally tried to curry favor with Jiang Ruan—pleasing her meant pleasing Empress Dowager Yide. But Jiang Ruan’s attitude toward them remained distant, warm yet not particularly close. Over time, the consorts grew cold and simply stopped associating with Jiang Ruan.
Lu Zhu asked curiously, “Miss, that Consort Wang seemed quite amiable. Why were you so cold to her yesterday?”
“She merely wanted something. Getting involved would only bring trouble later,” Jiang Ruan replied.
Lu Zhu stuck out her tongue and said nothing more. In fact, Jiang Ruan remembered clearly—in her previous life, this Consort Wang was skilled at stepping on the low to lift the high. She had appeared sisterly on the surface but secretly mingled with Xia Jiaojiao behind her back. Not just Consort Wang—which of the Emperor’s three palaces and six courtyards contained anyone truly innocent? Those who were truly innocent had long since become dust.
As she sat drinking tea, Empress Dowager Yide entered. Seeing Jiang Ruan, she said, “Your father sent an invitation. I inquired and learned your third sister is getting married.”
Jiang Li was getting married? Jiang Ruan lowered her head in thought, then understood. Palace life had been too comfortable—she had forgotten about Jiang Li’s wedding.
Seeing Jiang Ruan pondering, Empress Dowager Yide continued, “With Jiang Li marrying, you naturally must return. I’ve kept you here many days, and Jiang Quan has probably learned his lesson. Today I’ll have someone escort you back. I expect Jiang Quan will behave for some time.”
With such great power, Empress Dowager Yide had naturally investigated Jiang Quan and Jiang Ruan’s relationship thoroughly. Even without Jiang Ruan speaking, she intended to support her. Now with Jiang Li’s wedding, Jiang Ruan as elder sister had to return, and Jiang Quan probably wouldn’t dare say anything.
After thinking, Jiang Ruan smiled, “Thank you, Imperial Grandmother.”
Empress Dowager Yide looked at Jiang Ruan without speaking. After three years together, she saw clearly that Jiang Ruan was perceptive, gentle-natured, handled matters properly, and was more mature than her peers. But somehow, she always felt there was an untouchable place in her heart. Knowing Jiang Ruan’s birth mother died early, this complemented her own early loss of a daughter. She thought if Princess Yuanrong hadn’t died and had borne children, they would probably be around Jiang Ruan’s age now. So facing Jiang Ruan, Empress Dowager Yide often felt rare warmth.
When leaving the palace to return home, Aunt Yang from the Empress Dowager’s side accompanied her the entire way. Aunt Yang was a palace female official whom even Jiang Quan had to respect. Jiang Ruan’s high-profile return home left no one daring to comment. The Jiang residence servants only whispered privately that the eldest miss was truly becoming more promising.
Hong Ying had visited Jiang Ruan twice, but things weren’t as good as rumored. Though Jiang Quan favored Hong Ying, her background was too humble. Now pregnant, household authority had fallen to Second Concubine. Second Concubine was never an easy opponent, constantly making things difficult for Hong Ying. Over time, the Jiang residence’s inner quarters became a battlefield between two women, with Hong Ying gaining no advantage.
Hong Ying spoke with Jiang Ruan for a long time, but Jiang Ruan showed no response. Hong Ying felt somewhat displeased but said nothing, only smiled and left. After Hong Ying departed, Lian Qiao said, “Does Fifth Concubine want our miss as a backer?”
“What backer?” Bai Zhi frowned, “Miss should avoid getting involved in such matters.”
Soon it was Jiang Li’s wedding day.
Second Concubine, being the Personnel Ministry’s daughter, married Jiang Quan as a concubine, strengthening ties between families. The Personnel Minister was a prominent official family in the capital. With Second Concubine personally managing Jiang Li’s marriage, it was quite grand—the dowry filled fifty-five carriages. For a concubine’s daughter, this was exceptionally generous, comparable to small families’ legitimate daughters.
Second Concubine truly loved Jiang Li. Most of the betrothal gifts from Left Vice Minister were given to Jiang Li to take with her. Jiang Li could finally hold her head high—if she had a tail, it would surely reach the sky.
Since Jiang Li was the bride and wore red wedding attire, Jiang Ruan couldn’t wear bright red clothes. She finally chose light pink, had Bai Zhi arrange her hair, then went to see Jiang Li.
Jiang Li had just had her facial hair threaded by the wedding attendant, painfully frowning. Seeing Jiang Ruan enter, she couldn’t help straightening her back, pride flashing across her face.
Jiang Ruan had Tianzhu give the supplementary dowry to Jiang Li’s maid. The maid presented it to Jiang Li, who opened it to find a golden pearl bracelet. The pearls were each large and round, radiating soft luster—clearly a rare treasure. Joy immediately crossed Jiang Li’s face, though she quickly suppressed it. Casually, she said, “Elder Sister’s bracelet is really nice—looks even better than Second Sister’s.”
Standing aside, Jiang Susu’s eyes flashed with resentment at these words. Her supplementary dowry today was a jade bracelet, also fine quality, but compared to Jiang Ruan’s, it fell far short. Yet this was already the best she could produce. Since Xia Yan’s downfall, whenever she went out, people pointed and whispered. In anger, Jiang Susu simply stopped leaving her courtyard. However, Jiang Quan no longer sent precious imported jewelry as before. Her jewelry box hadn’t been refreshed in ages. Now seeing Jiang Ruan’s simple but clearly exceptional accessories, she inwardly cursed—first cursing Jiang Li for being ungrateful, a concubine’s daughter who used underhanded means to steal others’ matches, and second cursing Jiang Ruan, a wild mountain girl who thought she could become a phoenix just by clinging to the Empress Dowager.
Though nominally sisters, the three were hardly familiar. Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, “Congratulations, Third Sister.”
Jiang Li was naturally extremely proud. Since childhood, she had envied Jiang Ruan and Jiang Susu in the residence. Jiang Susu was protected by Jiang Quan and Jiang Chao. Now with Xia Yan’s downfall, Jiang Li couldn’t wait to watch the spectacle. Currently, Jiang Ruan was most displeasing to her eyes. Jiang Ruan had an incompetent mother yet occupied the legitimate daughter’s position, and somehow gained a princess title. Whenever thinking of this, Jiang Li felt extremely jealous. Becoming a Vice Minister’s wife and official’s lady should be wonderful, but because of Jiang Ruan, Jiang Li still felt inferior.
“Elder Sister is too kind,” Jiang Li smiled.
Tianzhu felt disdainful—this Second Miss Jiang was simply brainless, everything written on her face, completely unlikeable. Just then, Jiang Dan entered. Second Concubine, returning from fetching something outside, immediately became alert seeing Jiang Dan, blocking in front of Jiang Li.
“Fourth Sister hasn’t yet congratulated Third Sister on her happy marriage,” Jiang Dan had her maid present supplementary dowry, smiling, “Congratulations, Third Sister.”
Seeing Jiang Dan, Jiang Li frowned. She naturally knew how this marriage came about, and seeing Jiang Dan now seemed like a reminder. Sneering, she ordered her maid to open the box, clicked her tongue twice, then picked out a simple curved silver bracelet, shaking her head, “Fourth Sister, I’m not criticizing you, but this dowry is quite shabby. Though we’re concubine daughters, we’re still officials’ concubine daughters. Even commoners wouldn’t bother with such trinkets.”
Honestly, the bracelet wasn’t outstanding but wasn’t as terrible as Jiang Li claimed. For Jiang Dan, it should have been among her better possessions. Jiang Li’s words were both harsh and malicious, yet she seemed completely unaware. Second Concubine also acted indifferent. Jiang Dan lowered her head slightly, shoulders trembling pitifully.
Previously, Jiang Susu would have said something to maintain her fairy image, and in her past life, Jiang Ruan would have stood with Jiang Dan. But now circumstances differed from yesterday—no one spoke up. Jiang Ruan smiled, “Third Sister, dress up well. I’ll go out first. You must be the most beautiful bride today.”
Jiang Li smiled proudly, “With Elder Sister’s auspicious words, I naturally will be.”
Jiang Ruan left with Tianzhu.
In the outer hall, it was indeed lively and harmonious with guests enjoying themselves. Hong Ying, with her large belly, circulated among guests. Even First Concubine, long absent, helped due to staff shortage. Guests spoke politely while their eyes barely concealed mockery.
Jiang Quan was now the capital’s biggest joke. Guests came to save face but privately gossiped endlessly. A legitimate wife cuckolding her husband without facing divorce, concubines receiving guests—this was probably a first among officials’ families in Da Jin Dynasty.
Jiang Ruan’s gaze swept over everyone, stopping on one person.
Dressed in silk and satin that couldn’t hide his wastrel air, his eyes gleamed as they roamed among female guests, seemingly hunting for prey.
Jiang Ruan turned abruptly, her voice somewhat cold, “Tianzhu.”
“Yes,” Tianzhu sensed Jiang Ruan’s mood and asked, “Master?”
“How are your killing skills?”
“Though I dare not boast, I can handle ten people,” Tianzhu replied.
“Be alert today,” Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes. Xuan Xin had also come? Good—she wanted to know who invited him. Jiang Susu? Second Concubine? Or Jiang Li?
…
The wedding was held at Left Vice Minister’s residence. Having no brothers, Jiang Li was carried to the sedan chair by Jiang Chao. The procession was joyful throughout, with everyone in the capital stopping to watch—quite a grand affair.
After the ceremony, Left Vice Minister toasted guests outside while Jiang Li was sent to the bridal chamber. After the chamber festivities came toasting time. With her veil still on, Jiang Li’s voice became gentle and soft for the first time. After toasting Second Concubine and Jiang Quan as birth parents, she toasted siblings. Jiang Li delicately raised a wine cup from the tray, “This cup is for my eldest sister. Now married, I follow my husband’s family. Though we’re both Jiang residence daughters, we’ve been apart more than together—truly regrettable. Today’s cup fulfills our sisterly bond.”
She then offered the cup to Jiang Ruan.
Jiang Ruan looked at her, smiled slightly, but didn’t accept the offered wine.
Jiang Quan’s expression darkened, suppressing his anger. If Jiang Ruan wouldn’t even accept her concubine sister’s toast, what would people think!
Behind her veil, Jiang Li couldn’t see outside. Feeling her offered cup going unaccepted, she grew anxious. Just as she was about to speak, another oily male voice said, “Why won’t Princess Hong’an accept her own sister’s wine? Are you unwilling?”
The voice was so dissolute, carrying ambiguous undertones. Everyone looked at Jiang Ruan, who wore light pink cloud-and-goose brocade. To distinguish herself from the bride today, she hadn’t dressed as brilliantly as usual, appearing much gentler. Now smiling slightly with snow-white skin, she looked both beautiful and graceful.
Seeing everyone’s attention on Jiang Ruan, Jiang Susu clenched her fists. Jiang Ruan smiled slightly and reached for Jiang Li’s cup. Da Jin wedding banquets had this custom—new brides’ toasts must be accepted, otherwise it disrespected the hosts. Only by drinking every drop blessed the hosts. Thus even teetotalers couldn’t refuse new brides’ toasts at weddings.
Especially a concubine sister’s toast—refusing would invite criticism about using her princess status to bully concubine sisters in the residence.
Jiang Ruan said with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, “Second Sister’s words truly move this princess deeply.”
Jiang Li’s hand trembled slightly. Jiang Dan saw this but lowered her head pretending ignorance, while someone in the crowd’s eyes shone with joy.
Jiang Ruan took the cup, covered her face with her sleeve, and drank it completely clean, showing everyone the empty cup. Then approaching Jiang Li, she whispered, “Second Sister, everyone witnessed—I drank every drop.”
Jiang Li quickly drained her wine too, her voice sweet and coy, “Elder Sister truly loves her sister.”
“Excellent! Princess Hong’an truly can hold her liquor!” That oily voice appeared again as Xuan Xin emerged from behind the celebrants, eyes fixed on Jiang Ruan, “Princess Hong’an, a true heroine among women.” His lecherous eyes looked her up and down disgustingly.
Xuan Xin was delighted today. He had coveted this beauty for so long, never expecting heaven itself to help by providing today’s opportunity. His gaze fell on the two empty cups on the tray, then back to Jiang Ruan. The skin beneath those clothes must be as delectable as it appeared. Imagining that wonderful body beneath him, Xuan Xin swallowed hard, his gaze becoming increasingly brazen.
One glance at this man told Jiang Ruan his filthy intentions. Smiling coldly inwardly, she said, “I feel dizzy—going outside for fresh air,” and left the bridal chamber.
Jiang Dan thoughtfully looked at the wine cups on the tray, suddenly smiling with meaningful light in her eyes. Jiang Susu was left standing there, but being skilled at performing, she quickly drew everyone’s attention back to herself.
Leaving the bridal chamber, Jiang Ruan walked straight outside. Left Vice Minister’s residence was quite large, and having never visited in either life, her throat felt tight. Though she had discreetly had Tianzhu switch her cup with Jiang Li’s, she was still affected—just touching her lips caused some weakness.
Thinking it through, there was only one explanation: both cups on the tray were drugged. Even switching made no difference. Such double preparation—who else but Xuan Xin? And conspiring with Xuan Xin was undoubtedly Jiang Li. Jiang Li was stupid and ignorant yet overconfident, thinking everyone else was as foolish. Today’s affair was truly despicable, though she was being used by Xuan Xin. But Xuan Xin was incredibly audacious, daring such boldness in broad daylight!
Yet today’s events were suspicious. She dared not linger in the bridal chamber as her head was getting dizzy, but in this vast vice minister’s residence, there wasn’t a single servant. The earlier banquet guests seemed to have vanished instantly—nothing could be found.
The Vice Minister’s residence was also involved? Why? Jiang Ruan walked faster, sensing something different behind her. Tianzhu alertly followed, assassins being more sensitive than others. “Master, there are people ahead,” Tianzhu paused, her expression unusually serious, “We’re surrounded.”
Jiang Ruan laughed coldly. An ambush in a vice minister’s residence, targeting her. Did Left Vice Minister need to risk his career for a lecherous prince? If something really happened, her reputation would be ruined, but the Empress Dowager would be furious, and everyone involved would face consequences. Yet today’s events suggested the vice minister’s residence might be participating.
Tianzhu suddenly loosened her belt, revealing a silver soft sword underneath. Simultaneously, guards appeared from all directions. These guards looked strange—not like the vice minister’s residence guards.
The leader said, “Kill the maid, don’t harm the princess.” Before finishing, Tianzhu leaped high. Her lithe body showed only a silver flash in the air. The nearest guard’s neck suddenly showed a bloody line as he collapsed.
The guards were stunned—expecting just a maid with some martial arts, not such viciousness. Losing a brother immediately, not knowing Tianzhu’s assassin background, their eyes showed fierceness as they rushed her together.
Now Tianzhu shielded Jiang Ruan, who couldn’t escape due to the drug’s potency. She frowned slightly—something was definitely overlooked. Today’s banquet was clearly a trap for her. Why was Xuan Xin so bold, and how did he buy off a powerful minister like Left Vice Minister?
Could Xuan Xin really command all these guests?
While others fought Tianzhu, one guard quietly approached Jiang Ruan. Reaching her, he whispered, “Princess, forgive me,” and reached for her arm.
Jiang Ruan didn’t dodge, her expression strangely calm. Looking at the guard, she asked, “You’re Consort Chen’s man?”
The guard froze, disbelief flashing in his eyes. Before he could speak, his body slowly collapsed.