The Sutra Hall in the palace was built at the end of the South Garden, where the environment was serene and the air fresh. This was a rare blessed land within the palace. When the previous emperor was alive, he had once wanted to build a courtyard here but abandoned the idea fearing it would disturb the palace’s feng shui. Now this blessed land was being used again, but for building a Buddhist hall. This alone showed how high the status of the Buddhist hall’s master was in the palace.
Nanny Yang brought Jiang Ruan to the Sutra Hall and spoke a few words with the young novice in the Buddhist hall before Jiang Ruan entered first. Inside the Buddhist hall stood a golden Buddha statue. Building a Buddhist hall within the palace was probably the first time in history. An old monk in red kasaya sat quietly in meditation, holding a string of relics in his hand, eyes closed in silent contemplation. Light smoke wafted from the Buddhist hall, creating quite an otherworldly appearance.
The young novice walked to the old monk’s side and spoke a few words. The old monk opened his eyes, and upon seeing the person before him, he was slightly startled. His benevolent expression showed a trace of barely perceptible panic.
After the young novice heard a few words from his master, he walked over to Jiang Ruan and said: “Benefactor, Master invites you to the inner room for sutra discussion.”
Jiang Ruan pressed her palms together and bowed to the young novice. Seeing this, Nanny Yang smiled slightly at her. Jiang Ruan then followed the young novice into the adjacent inner room.
The inner room contained a small azure wood table with a divination cylinder, and several sutra books on top.
The old monk entered the inner room and sat on one side of the wooden table. Jiang Ruan also sat down at the table. The sound of novices chanting sutras came from outside. The Buddhist hall was built in antique style, quite Buddhist in flavor.
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “After years of separation, congratulations to Master for achieving your wish.”
Hui Jue’s breathing caught, and he looked up at the person before him. The young lady wore red robes that blazed like fire, possessing an indescribable elegance compared to three years ago. But her eyes were ice-cold, and beneath her gentle smile seemed to always contain a few traces of cold mockery.
He pressed his palms together and bowed his head humbly: “Amitabha Buddha.”
“Is Master worshipping Buddha, or worshipping me?” Jiang Ruan casually picked up the divination cylinder on the table and gently shook it. The wooden lots collided inside the cylinder, making a heart-disturbing sound. Each shake was like heavy knocking on Hui Jue’s heart.
For the first time in years of maintaining the appearance of a holy monk without emotions or desires, the Imperial Preceptor broke out in sweat after three years. He looked at Jiang Ruan and said slowly: “The benefactor is chosen by Buddha. This humble monk follows Buddha’s will.”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Master is truly a high monk.”
Hui Jue said nothing. Three years ago, someone had delivered him a letter, claiming it was from Jiang Ruan. The letter detailed all the major and minor events that would occur over three years. Hui Jue was cautious by nature and didn’t believe it at first. But as time passed day by day, he was shocked to discover that the events written in the letter occurred one by one. Hui Jue believed everything written on that letter. He lurked among the people, and his reputation as a high monk finally reached the palace, where the Emperor invited him to court. Relying on that thin piece of paper, plus Hui Jue’s silver tongue, in three years everyone in Great Jin knew of a holy monk named Hui Jue whose predictions were infallible. Step by step, he finally reached the position of Imperial Preceptor.
Hui Jue looked up at Jiang Ruan. Three years ago, Jiang Ruan had told him she would give him limitless glory and status, making him a person above others. Looking back now, it had come true in an extraordinary way. To him, Jiang Ruan was a somewhat fearsome existence. How could anyone in the world possess the power of prophecy? But Jiang Ruan was just such a mysterious person. Hui Jue knew there was no free lunch in the world. Jiang Ruan wouldn’t help him for nothing—someday she would demand repayment. Now Jiang Ruan had returned, and it was time for her to collect this compensation.
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly: “Now that Master holds the noble position of Imperial Preceptor, I imagine the young master’s condition has also improved?”
Hui Jue was startled. His son was his lifeline. Now he and his son maintained a master-disciple relationship in name, and the Emperor trusted him immensely, making it convenient for him to request the palace’s imperial physicians. The palace also had many precious medicines. Now his son’s condition was gradually improving, and his body was no longer as weak as before. His hand holding the prayer beads trembled slightly as he said: “What does the benefactor seek?”
“Master, I don’t believe in Buddha, so you needn’t preach sutras to me.” Jiang Ruan’s voice was light, but Hui Jue felt the words carried great weight. She was pressing him like this to make him directly state his position. Gritting his teeth, Hui Jue said: “This humble one is willing to serve the Princess like a dog or horse.”
Jiang Ruan released her hand, and the divination cylinder fell on the table. Jiang Ruan reached out to draw all the wooden lots from the cylinder, carefully selecting one and placing it before Hui Jue: “What kind of lot is this?”
Hui Jue was stunned, looked at it and said: “An extremely inauspicious lot. What is the Princess seeking…?”
“This lot is not for me,” Jiang Ruan said lightly: “It concerns household matters, which are also state affairs.”
Household matters that were also state affairs naturally referred to the Emperor’s household matters—that would be palace affairs. Hui Jue looked up in confusion, only to hear the gentle voice continue: “This Princess sees dark energy swirling around the eastern part of the palace. I fear something has offended His Majesty. Please trouble Master to perform a ritual to find this dragon.”
A flood dragon was not a true dragon, only lacking the leap through the dragon gate—it implied usurpation. Hui Jue’s brow twitched. This was to slander someone as having treasonous intentions? But what did this have to do with the palace?
“The eastern part of the palace is Simeng Palace.” Jiang Ruan said: “As for the dragon, it’s naturally a beauty dragon.”
As soon as Jiang Ruan finished speaking, Hui Jue froze in place. Palace interference in politics was the greatest taboo in the world. What Jiang Ruan implied was to place on that palace person the reputation of disrupting court order and morality. That person was even more formidable—Simeng Palace housed the currently most favored Consort Chen, whom even the Empress had to regard with some wariness. Though Hui Jue maintained an appearance of pure-hearted detachment in the palace, he wasn’t ignorant of political affairs. He had heard whispers that the Emperor disliked the current Crown Prince and intended to change the heir. Eighth Prince Xuan Li, born to Consort Chen, and Fifth Prince Xuan Hua, born to Consort De, were the most popular candidates. Eighth Prince Xuan Li seemed to have better chances currently.
If he offended Consort Chen, wouldn’t he possibly offend the future heir’s mother, inevitably bringing him much trouble? Master Hui Jue frowned tightly and said nothing.
“Has Master been feeling somewhat overwhelmed in recent years?” Jiang Ruan said lightly: “Glimpsing too many heavenly secrets, unable to know future events. If it’s too difficult, Master can certainly yield his position to other capable younger generation. Under heaven, Buddha has countless disciples—Master needn’t be the only one who can hear Buddha’s will.” Jiang Ruan looked at him leisurely: “It’s just a pity about the young master… Outside the palace, who knows if he would remain so healthy.”
Jiang Ruan’s words struck at Hui Jue’s every concern. Indeed, for three years the Emperor had trusted him immensely, often asking his opinion on various matters. The letter Jiang Ruan had given detailed the consequences of events that would occur and the best solutions, as if she had personally experienced them. Everything was handled thoroughly and properly, making the Emperor even more satisfied with him, keeping his position as Imperial Preceptor very stable.
But three years had passed. The major events on the letter only went up to now—nothing was written about what would happen afterward. Hui Jue himself was just a charlatan who knew nothing about glimpsing heavenly vision. During this recent period, when the Emperor asked him questions, he couldn’t provide answers. Only Hui Jue’s years of wandering and excellent deception skills, combined with his accurate predictions in the previous three years, allowed him to fool the Emperor with excuses. But continuing like this would inevitably arouse suspicion. Even without suspicion, once he lost his usefulness, the Emperor wouldn’t regard him as highly as before.
If he left the imperial palace, his young son would lose access to the palace’s precious medicines—who knew what kind of situation would arise. Moreover, as Imperial Preceptor, he had inevitably offended some people in the palace and unknowingly blocked certain people’s paths. Currently, the Emperor’s trust was his lifeline. Once he lost the Emperor’s trust, who knew what disasters might befall him.
Jiang Ruan’s threatening words all targeted Hui Jue’s vulnerabilities. Just as Jiang Ruan could elevate him to the position of Imperial Preceptor, she could naturally place someone else in this position. With her methods and prophecies, this would be very simple.
Hui Jue slowly lowered his head, his voice hoarse: “Please show mercy, Princess.”
“I know what Master is worried about,” Jiang Ruan suddenly leaned close to him, her voice very low: “That position in the world will definitely not be taken by the Eighth Prince.”
Hui Jue suddenly looked up, staring at Jiang Ruan, standing in place in disbelief. He asked: “This… is also a prophecy?”
“Yes.” Jiang Ruan said lightly.
In fact, in her previous life, Xuan Li had indeed seized the entire Great Jin’s territory. But living a second life, she would never allow this to happen again. Didn’t Consort Chen want to maintain her harmless appearance in the palace? Appearing before the Emperor as completely uninterested in succession struggles? Well, she wouldn’t mind tearing off this beauty’s mask early. When that mother-son pair, accustomed to acting, were burdened with the reputation of bringing disaster to the nation, what kind of situation would that be?
Even if the Emperor loved a woman deeply, he would never waver his kingdom for her. Otherwise, in her previous life, the Emperor wouldn’t have begun suspecting Xuan Li at the end, causing Xuan Li to act prematurely.
When Master Hui Jue looked at Jiang Ruan again, his eyes no longer held the previous wavering. As if he had made an important decision, he asked softly: “What does the Princess want to do?”
“Master’s methods are brilliant—naturally you should act according to Buddha’s will. In three days, the Bureau of Astronomy will hold a ritual. At that time, Buddha will send down his will: lurking in this imperial palace is a beauty dragon, and you, Master, must ensure there is only one true dragon in the world.”
Her voice was low, containing a strange bewitchment. Hui Jue’s body trembled as he respectfully answered: “Yes.”
After leaving the small Buddhist hall, Jiang Ruan planned to return to Cining Palace first, but unexpectedly encountered an uninvited guest halfway. This person wore azure robes with a jade belt. Seeing her from afar, he stopped his steps and then strode toward her.
Tianzhu alertly moved to block in front of Jiang Ruan. But this person understood propriety, stopping several steps away from Jiang Ruan without approaching further.
Jiang Ruan smiled at him: “Grand Tutor Liu.”
Liu Min stared intently at Jiang Ruan. He didn’t know what he wanted to do. After seeing Jiang Ruan once some days ago, he couldn’t speak properly due to Xiao Shao’s presence, and he kept thinking about this afterward. Learning that someone he considered a kindred spirit was actually a woman, he had stared at the painting hanging in his study for several days. He had many things he wanted to ask her. Just now, seeing Jiang Ruan, he unconsciously walked over, but he didn’t know what he wanted to do and couldn’t say a word.
Lu Zhu blinked—this Grand Tutor really was a scholar, possessing that scholarly absent-mindedness.
Liu Min paused before saying: “Princess.” Finding this greeting too sparse, he thought of something: “Are you… well?”
The Jiang Li affair had now become a joke throughout Great Jin. Even though it was Jiang Li’s doing, it would somewhat affect the Jiang family sisters. Though Liu Min knew the Jiang residence had complex relationships, he hadn’t thought too deeply about it, only worrying whether Jiang Ruan’s reputation would suffer because of this. As another Jiang family daughter, she would probably feel some loss of face.
Jiang Ruan returned the courtesy: “Thank you for Grand Tutor’s concern. I am living very comfortably.”
Liu Min was stunned and carefully observed Jiang Ruan. Indeed, she was beautiful and radiant, her brows and eyes gentle and smiling, still as dazzling as before, showing no trace of haggardness. His feelings were complex—how could she still be as comfortable as before after such events occurred? But seeing she was fine, he felt relieved.
Liu Min didn’t know why he had such strange thoughts. He just felt that after her letter, he had regarded Jiang Ruan as a close friend in his heart. Friends should support each other—his concern was normal. But he had another matter he wanted to ask. After hesitating for a moment, he spoke: “What is the relationship between the Princess and Prince Xiao?”
Tianzhu frowned slightly, thinking this Grand Tutor was quite annoying—she must tell her master later. Jiang Ruan smiled: “Grand Tutor Liu is managing rather broadly.”
“You…” Liu Min’s face reddened. Jiang Ruan speaking so directly without leaving any room made the always proud and aloof him somewhat annoyed and momentarily speechless. Seeing Jiang Ruan’s smiling face, he couldn’t bring himself to say reproachful words, only flinging his sleeve and angrily saying: “He is not a good person.”
Now even Lu Zhu frowned. Xiao Shao was the perfect son-in-law in her heart—what nonsense was this person spouting?
Jiang Ruan knew what Liu Min meant. Regardless of which court faction they belonged to, Xiao Shao had never participated in any, and every faction firmly believed Xiao Shao was a “treacherous subject and rebel.” When the old Prince Jinying rebelled, it was only imperial grace that allowed Xiao Shao, this remnant of rebels, to survive until now. Who knew his power would grow increasingly vast, not even respecting the Emperor, and being extremely arrogant even in the capital. Liu Min was an upright minister with very rigid thinking, naturally considering Xiao Shao an undoubted treacherous rebel. Knowing he meant nothing else, but these words were indeed unpleasant to hear, Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, though her voice already carried slight coldness: “So what?”
Liu Min’s pale face showed anger: “He will implicate you!” In Liu Min’s eyes, though Jiang Ruan was mysterious, she was a perceptive person. From their letter correspondence, he could see Jiang Ruan was different from those short-sighted people. How could such a pure and upright person become entangled with treacherous rebels!
“What business is it of yours?” After saying this, Jiang Ruan’s smile also faded completely. She looked at Liu Min indifferently. Though she said nothing more, it inexplicably made people feel her anger.
Liu Min froze.
With “So what?” and “What business is it of yours?” Jiang Ruan straightforwardly expressed her attitude—she was determined to stand with Xiao Shao. Liu Min’s heart immediately filled with irritation, looking at Jiang Ruan with disappointment. Jiang Ruan looked at him and said: “Grand Tutor manages the Crown Prince’s studies—when did you start managing other trivial matters? This Princess has her own judgment about her affairs and doesn’t need Grand Tutor’s worry. If Grand Tutor has such inclination, you can certainly manage other matters. There are so many sordid affairs in the palace—since Grand Tutor cannot tolerate even a grain of sand, you’ll have much hardship.”
The faint sarcasm in her words finally made Liu Min unable to stay any longer. Feeling his good intentions were wasted, before he could clearly understand where his disappointment and irritation came from, he only said: “Stubbornly obstinate,” and left with a flourish of his sleeves.
Jiang Ruan stood quietly in place, watching Liu Min’s departing figure. Lu Zhu looked at Jiang Ruan with some unease: “Miss… treating Grand Tutor Liu this way, might it not be good?”
Lu Zhu knew about Jiang Ruan helping Liu Min win first place. Though she didn’t know exactly how Jiang Ruan managed it, the personal maids understood in their hearts that Jiang Ruan did this to elevate Liu Min to a high position as future assistance. But Jiang Ruan’s words just now—who knew how this proud Grand Tutor would think? If their relationship became deadlocked, wouldn’t this lose an ally and instead create a great obstacle?
“No matter. Grand Tutor Liu is a good person.” Jiang Ruan said lightly. Good people were always easily soft-hearted. If something really happened, remembering past friendship, Liu Min wouldn’t stand by and watch. But… she lowered her eyes. What had happened to her just now? She shouldn’t have bothered with such meaningless verbal disputes. But when Xiao Shao was mentioned, she couldn’t help but become angry. She frowned slightly, feeling somewhat uneasy. Recently, this person appeared more and more in her daily life—his shadow seemed to be everywhere. He so domineeringly squeezed into her life heavy with darkness, as if bringing a trace of illusory sunlight to purgatory, making her heart harbor inappropriate fantasies.
With great vengeance unrepaid, one more attachment meant one more vulnerability. Moreover, currently she truly had no mind for other matters. Xiao Shao was no ordinary person. Though his brilliance was currently restrained, someday when he got the chance, he would surely soar to the heavens, making the world lose its color before him. With her corrupted heart, how could she dare harbor such hopes?
None of them noticed that behind a vermillion pillar not far away, a figure in brocade robes stood in the distance. Xuan Li had just heard their entire conversation, and now his eyes showed a trace of interest.
Xiao Shao, Liu Min—this Princess Hong’an was even more complicated than he had imagined. Not to mention her relationship with Xiao Shao—he had previously felt something was off between those two. But what about Liu Min? Could the proud and aloof court newcomer also have some connection with this Princess Hong’an?
Xuan Li smiled slightly. Things were becoming interesting. Jiang Ruan was the prey he had set his sights on—how could he let others hunt her away? But now wasn’t the right time. He could investigate her background first. As for methods… a cold gleam flashed through Xuan Li’s eyes. Times were different now—he had hundreds of ways to make Jiang Ruan become his possession.